Pabco Dam Tailings Pond 2 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Pabco Dam Tailings Pond 2, located in Clark County, Nevada, stands as a vital structure managing tailings from mining operations along the Colorado River.
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Summary
Completed in 2000, this earth dam reaches a height of 24 feet and a length of 3599 feet, with a storage capacity of 200 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is marked as poor, highlighting the need for maintenance and improvements to ensure its long-term safety and stability.
Owned privately, the dam is regulated by the Nevada Department of Water Resources, with state jurisdiction and permitting in place. Inspections are conducted regularly, with the last assessment carried out in April 2018. The dam lacks a spillway and has a controlled outlet gate, raising concerns about its ability to handle potential maximum discharge events. With a high risk assessment score of 2, there is a pressing need for implementing effective risk management measures to safeguard the surrounding area and prevent potential disasters.
As an integral part of the local water resource infrastructure, Pabco Dam Tailings Pond 2 serves a crucial role in managing tailings and protecting the environment along the Colorado River. With its poor condition and high risk assessment, there is a call for immediate action to address maintenance issues and enhance the dam's safety measures. Collaboration between private owners, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders is essential to ensure the continued functionality and resilience of this important structure in the face of changing climate conditions and increasing water resource challenges.
Year Completed |
2000 |
Dam Length |
3599 |
Dam Height |
24 |
River Or Stream |
COLORADO RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
20 |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Drainage Area |
0.1 |
Nid Storage |
200 |
Structural Height |
24 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
24 |
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.
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