Spencer Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Billy Shaw Dam Coyote Hole Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Spencer Dam, located in Elko, Nevada, is a federal-owned structure primarily used for fire protection, stock, and small fish pond purposes.
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Summary
This Earth-type dam stands at a height of 12 feet, with a hydraulic height of 8 feet and a length of 390 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 120 acre-feet and a low hazard potential, although its condition assessment is deemed poor. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled, with a width of 15 feet and a maximum discharge of 100 cubic feet per second.
Despite its poor condition assessment, Spencer Dam poses a low hazard potential and has a moderate risk assessment rating. The dam has not been modified in recent years and is inspected every 5 years, with the last inspection conducted in June 2018. The structure does not have outlet gates and is associated with the Billy Shaw Slough-TR river or stream. While the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are not specified in the data, it is important for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor the condition of Spencer Dam to ensure the safety of the surrounding area and its inhabitants.
Dam Length |
390 |
Dam Height |
12 |
River Or Stream |
BILLY SHAW SLOUGH-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
14 |
Hydraulic Height |
8 |
Drainage Area |
4 |
Nid Storage |
120 |
Structural Height |
12 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
12 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Spencer Dam