Pabco Dam Tailings Pond 3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Located in Clark County, Nevada, the Pabco Dam Tailings Pond 3 is a privately owned structure primarily used for tailings storage.


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Summary

Built in 1986, this earth dam stands at a height of 14 feet and has a hydraulic height of 11 feet, with a storage capacity of 228 acre-feet. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam is currently in poor condition, as assessed during the last inspection in April 2018.

Managed by the Nevada Division of Water Resources, this dam poses a high risk due to its poor condition, warranting attention and maintenance to prevent potential failures. With a drainage area of only 0.1 square miles and no spillway, the structure relies on other controlled outlet gates for water management. The dam's location near the Colorado River makes it crucial for ensuring proper safety measures and upkeep to prevent any environmental hazards or risks to surrounding areas.

As a key component in the storage of tailings, the Pabco Dam Tailings Pond 3 serves as a vital resource in the region. With its unique design featuring a stone core and soil foundation, the dam's structural integrity is essential for maintaining the storage of materials. Monitoring and regular inspections are necessary to address the poor condition of the dam and mitigate any potential risks associated with its operation.

Year Completed

1986

Dam Length

4119

Dam Height

14

River Or Stream

COLORADO RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

20.8

Hydraulic Height

11

Drainage Area

0.1

Nid Storage

228

Structural Height

14

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

14
       
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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.