Damonte Ranch Flood Control Diversion Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Damonte Ranch Flood Control Diversion Dam, located in Reno, Nevada, serves as a crucial infrastructure for flood risk reduction along the Steamboat Creek.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Designed by Nimbus Engineers, this private-owned dam stands at a height of 10.6 feet and spans a length of 240 feet. With a storage capacity of 15 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 12,000 cubic feet per second, this earth dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 240 feet and five uncontrolled outlet gates. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment remains fair as of the last inspection conducted in July 2021. Ensuring the safety and effectiveness of this flood control structure, the Nevada Division of Water Resources regulates, inspects, and enforces compliance with state permitting requirements.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Damonte Ranch Flood Control Diversion Dam stands as a testament to the importance of proactive flood risk management in vulnerable regions. With its strategic location and design features, this dam plays a critical role in safeguarding the community against potential inundation events while balancing the need for sustainable water resource management in the Washoe County area.

Dam Length

240

Dam Height

10.6

River Or Stream

STEAMBOAT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3.6

Drainage Area

1000

Nid Storage

15

Structural Height

10.6

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 5

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

11
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.