Cortez Area 28 Tsf Cell 4 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Located in Lander, Nevada, the Cortez Area 28 Tsf Cell 4 Dam is a private-owned structure designed by AMEC EARTH & ENVIRONMENTAL INC for the purpose of tailings containment.
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Summary
This Earth-type dam stands at a height of 270 feet and has a hydraulic height of 266 feet, providing storage capacity of up to 31,000 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam is regulated by the Nevada Division of Water Resources, ensuring state inspection, enforcement, and permitting.
Despite the lack of a spillway, the Cortez Area 28 Tsf Cell 4 Dam boasts a surface area of 235 acres and serves a drainage area of 0.4 square miles. The dam's maximum discharge capacity is 2 cubic feet per second, contributing to its risk assessment rating of high (2). While the last inspection in June 2019 indicated a fair condition, the dam is subject to regular inspections every 5 years to maintain its safety and functionality for the surrounding area.
With its strategic location and design specifications, the Cortez Area 28 Tsf Cell 4 Dam plays a crucial role in water resource management in Nevada. As a key component for tailings containment, the dam's structural integrity and regulatory oversight ensure the protection of both the environment and local communities from potential hazards. Climate and water resource enthusiasts can appreciate the careful planning and engineering that go into maintaining this essential infrastructure for sustainable development in the region.
Dam Length |
12100 |
Dam Height |
270 |
River Or Stream |
NONE |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
235 |
Hydraulic Height |
266 |
Drainage Area |
0.4 |
Nid Storage |
31000 |
Structural Height |
270 |
Outlet Gates |
None - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
270 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Humboldt R At Battle Mountain
|
47cfs |
Humboldt River At Old Us 40 Bridge
|
60cfs |
Humboldt R At Palisade
|
55cfs |
Rock Ck Nr Battle Mountain
|
6cfs |
Marys Creek At Carlin
|
3cfs |
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 Area 28 Tsf Cell 4 Dam