North Spanish Springs Flood Detention Facility Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: May 2, 2026

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The North Spanish Springs Flood Detention Facility Dam, located in Sparks, Nevada, was completed in 2007 with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


Summary

This earth dam, standing at 20 feet high with a hydraulic height of 15 feet, serves to control debris and reduce the potential for flooding in the area. The dam has a storage capacity of 412 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 46.8 acres, with a drainage area of 15.8 square miles.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Nevada Department of Water Resources, this dam is designed to handle a maximum discharge of 6238 cubic feet per second. The structure includes an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 300 feet and two uncontrolled outlet gates. Despite its fair condition assessment and high hazard potential, the dam is equipped to mitigate flood risks and protect the surrounding community in Washoe County, Nevada. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find this dam's design and purpose to be of particular interest in addressing water management and flood control challenges in the region.

15-Day Long Term Forecast


Year Completed

2007

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

NORTH TRUCKEE DRAIN-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

46.8

Hydraulic Height

15

Drainage Area

15.8

Nid Storage

412

Structural Height

23

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

23
       
Seasonal Comparison

5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail

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.