Pabco Dam Tailings Pond 9 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 16, 2025
Pabco Dam Tailings Pond 9, located in Clark, Nevada, is a privately-owned structure primarily used for tailings storage.
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Summary
The earth-type dam, completed in 1969, stands at a height of 20 feet and has a hydraulic height of 17 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 52 acre-feet and a total storage of 104 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in managing the tailings from mining activities in the area. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment was reported as poor during the last inspection in April 2018.
Situated along the Colorado River, this dam lacks a spillway and has one other controlled outlet gate. The risk assessment categorizes the dam as having a high risk level (2), indicating a need for increased monitoring and potential risk management measures. While the structure has been regulated, permitted, and inspected by the Nevada Division of Water Resources, its condition and risk profile highlight the importance of ongoing assessment and maintenance to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam and surrounding area. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Pabco Dam Tailings Pond 9 offers a fascinating case study in managing industrial byproducts while balancing environmental risks and regulatory compliance.
Overall, Pabco Dam Tailings Pond 9 serves as a critical infrastructure for storing mining tailings in Nevada. With its design dating back to the late 1960s, the dam's structural integrity and risk management strategies are crucial considerations for the local community and environmental stakeholders. As a privately-owned facility, ongoing monitoring, assessment, and potential improvements are essential to mitigate risks and ensure the safe operation of the dam. By understanding the unique challenges and characteristics of this dam, water resource and climate enthusiasts can gain valuable insights into the intersection of industrial activities, water resources management, and environmental protection in the region.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
3372 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
COLORADO RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
17.3 |
Hydraulic Height |
17 |
Drainage Area |
0.1 |
Nid Storage |
104 |
Structural Height |
20 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
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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Pabco Dam Tailings Pond 9