Midas Tailings Storage Facility Ph Iv Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

The Midas Tailings Storage Facility Ph IV Dam, located in Battle Mountain, Nevada, is a privately owned structure regulated by the Nevada Department of Water Resources.


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Summary

Constructed in 1998 by AMEC, this earth dam stands at a height of 250 feet and spans a length of 4,280 feet, with a primary purpose of storing tailings. The dam has a significant hazard potential and a poor condition assessment as of the last inspection in October 2021.

Despite its poor condition, the dam has a normal storage capacity of 1,061 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 60 acres. The dam is situated on Midas Creek-TR and is under the jurisdiction of the Walla Walla District of the US Army Corps of Engineers. With no spillway in place, the dam is equipped with one controlled outlet gate. The risk assessment for this dam is classified as high, with a risk level of 2.

In conclusion, the Midas Tailings Storage Facility Ph IV Dam serves a crucial function in storing tailings in Battle Mountain, Nevada. However, its significant hazard potential and poor condition warrant further attention and monitoring to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find this dam's design and operational details intriguing for understanding the intersection of human infrastructure and environmental stewardship.

Year Completed

1998

Dam Length

4280

Dam Height

250

River Or Stream

MIDAS CREEK-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

60

Hydraulic Height

247

Drainage Area

0.1

Nid Storage

2008

Structural Height

250

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled - 1

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

250
       
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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.