Section 22 Midas Tailings Storage Facility Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

The Section 22 Midas Tailings Storage Facility Dam in Nevada is a private-owned structure regulated by the Nevada Department of Water Resources.


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Summary

This Earth-type dam, with a height of 186 feet and a hydraulic height of 181 feet, serves the primary purpose of storing tailings. With a storage capacity of 3900 acre-feet, this dam poses a significant hazard potential but has been assessed as satisfactory in condition as of October 2021. The dam has no spillway and is located in Elko County, near the city of Winnemucca.

Despite its high-risk assessment, the Section 22 Midas Tailings Storage Facility Dam has a last inspection date of October 2021 and is subject to regular inspections every five years. The dam is associated with no other structures and has no outlet gates. While it does not have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) or inundation maps prepared, the dam meets regulatory guidelines and is under the jurisdiction of the state of Nevada. The risk management measures for this dam are not specified, but it is closely monitored to ensure its safety and integrity.

Overall, the Section 22 Midas Tailings Storage Facility Dam is a critical structure for storing tailings in Nevada, with a significant hazard potential but deemed to be in satisfactory condition. With a height of 186 feet and a storage capacity of 3900 acre-feet, this Earth-type dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. Regular inspections and adherence to state regulations help mitigate the risks associated with this dam, ensuring the safety of the surrounding community and environment.

Dam Length

2190

Dam Height

186

River Or Stream

NONE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

181

Nid Storage

3900

Structural Height

186

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

186
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.