Damonte Ranch Dam Detention Pond #4 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Damonte Ranch Dam Detention Pond #4, located in Washoe County, Nevada, serves as a vital infrastructure for flood risk reduction along Steamboat Creek in the city of Reno.


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Summary

Owned by a private entity and designed by Nimbus Engineers, this rockfill dam stands at a height of 1 meter, with a storage capacity of 68.4 acre-feet. Despite a fair condition assessment as of July 2021, the dam has a high hazard potential, prompting regular inspections and enforcement by the Nevada Department of Water Resources.

With a primary purpose of flood risk reduction, Damonte Ranch Dam Detention Pond #4 also supports fire protection, irrigation, and wildlife conservation efforts. The dam lacks a spillway but features five uncontrolled outlet gates for water management. Its location within Congressional District 02, Nevada, underscores its importance in safeguarding the local community from potential flood events. Although the dam's risk assessment is categorized as high, ongoing risk management measures are in place to mitigate any potential threats.

Overall, Damonte Ranch Dam Detention Pond #4 plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from flooding and ensuring the safety of residents in Washoe County. As a key piece of water infrastructure in the region, the dam's design, construction, and maintenance are closely monitored to uphold its functionality and safeguard against any potential hazards. The collaboration between private owners, regulatory agencies, and engineers underscores the importance of proactive management to ensure the continued effectiveness of this essential flood control structure.

Dam Length

100

Dam Height

1

River Or Stream

STEAMBOAT CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

5

Drainage Area

1000

Nid Storage

68.4

Structural Height

1

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 5

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

1
       
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.