Virginia Lake Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Virginia Lake Dam, located in Washoe County, Nevada, serves primarily for irrigation purposes and also provides fire protection, stock water, recreation, and small fish pond benefits.


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Summary

This earth dam, with a height of 11 feet and a length of 1000 feet, was completed in 1938 and has a storage capacity of 25 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the Truckee River-OS and is regulated by the Nevada Department of Water Resources.

With a high hazard potential and fair condition assessment, Virginia Lake Dam poses a moderate risk for potential emergencies. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and five slide (sluice gate) outlet gates. The last inspection in June 2021 indicated that the dam requires periodic assessments to ensure its structural integrity and safety.

Owned and regulated by the local government, Virginia Lake Dam in Reno, Nevada, plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find the dam's design and functionality intriguing, as well as its contribution to the surrounding ecosystem and community.

Year Completed

1938

Dam Length

1000

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

TRUCKEE RIVER-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

5

Hydraulic Height

8

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

25

Structural Height

11

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 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.