Damonte Ranch Wetlands Detention Basin Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Damonte Ranch Wetlands Detention Basin Dam, located in Reno, Nevada, serves as a crucial infrastructure for flood risk reduction along the Steamboat Creek.


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Summary

Designed by Nimbus Engineers, this rockfill dam stands at a height of 8 feet with a hydraulic height of 2 feet, offering a storage capacity of 304 acre-feet and a surface area of 10.4 acres. With a spillway width of 65 feet and a maximum discharge of 2000 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a vital role in managing water flow during heavy rain events.

This private-owned dam not only aids in flood protection but also serves multiple purposes including fire protection, irrigation, recreation, and wildlife habitat enhancement. Inspected by Nevada DWR with a fair condition rating as of July 2021, the dam poses a high hazard potential but with a moderate risk assessment. Equipped with one slide gate for outlet control, the dam stands as a testament to sustainable water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

As a key component of the water infrastructure in Washoe County, the Damonte Ranch Wetlands Detention Basin Dam highlights the importance of proactive maintenance and emergency preparedness in safeguarding communities against potential flood risks. With continuous regulatory oversight and enforcement by Nevada DWR, this dam stands as a critical asset in the region's efforts to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events and ensure long-term water resource sustainability for the surrounding environment and residents.

Dam Length

1000

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

STEAMBOAT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

10.4

Hydraulic Height

2

Drainage Area

1000

Nid Storage

304

Structural Height

8

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 1

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

8
       
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.
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Area Campgrounds