Cortez Hills Dam Storm Pond Reservoir Report

Last Updated: January 11, 2026

Cortez Hills Dam Storm Pond in Lander, Nevada, is a private earth dam completed in 2010 with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Designed by AMEC Earth & Environmental Inc, this dam stands at a height of 47 feet and has a hydraulic height of 44 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 65 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 4.4 acres, serving a drainage area of 0.5 square miles. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Nevada Division of Water Resources.

Located in Congressional District 02, Nevada, Cortez Hills Dam Storm Pond has a maximum discharge capacity of 450 cubic feet per second and features one controlled outlet gate. While the dam's spillway type is categorized as "None," it is equipped to manage potential risks associated with its high-risk assessment rating. The dam has not been rated for its condition, but it undergoes inspection every 5 years to ensure its safety and integrity. As an essential component of water resource management in the region, Cortez Hills Dam Storm Pond plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and protecting the surrounding community from potential hazards.

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

0.5

Nid Storage

65

Structural Height

31

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

47
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.