Cortez Hills Dam Process Pond Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
The Cortez Hills Dam Process Pond, located in Lander, Nevada, is a private earth dam designed by AMEC Earth & Environmental Inc.
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Summary
Completed in 2010, this dam stands at a height of 47 feet and has a hydraulic height of 44 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 57 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 66 acre-feet, the dam serves a crucial purpose in managing water resources in the area.
This low-hazard dam has a fair condition assessment and is inspected every five years to ensure its continued safety and functionality. The spillway type is uncontrolled with a width of 10 feet, and the maximum discharge capacity reaches 450 cubic feet per second. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the Cortez Hills Dam Process Pond plays a vital role in water resource management in the region, with its surface area covering 4.4 acres and drainage area of 0.4 acres.
Owned by a private entity, this dam is regulated by the Nevada Department of Water Resources and undergoes regular inspections, enforcement, and permitting processes. With its strategic location and design, the Cortez Hills Dam Process Pond is a key infrastructure for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor and study in the evolving landscape of water management and climate change mitigation efforts.
Year Completed |
2010 |
Dam Length |
1760 |
Dam Height |
47 |
River Or Stream |
NONE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.4 |
Hydraulic Height |
44 |
Drainage Area |
0.4 |
Nid Storage |
66 |
Structural Height |
31 |
Outlet Gates |
Other Controlled - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
47 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Humboldt R At Palisade
|
55cfs |
Humboldt River At Old Us 40 Bridge
|
60cfs |
Humboldt R At Battle Mountain
|
47cfs |
Marys Creek At Carlin
|
3cfs |
Rock Ck Nr Battle Mountain
|
6cfs |
Maggie Ck At Carlin
|
12cfs |
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.
Cortez Hills Dam Process Pond