James Creek Diversion Dam
James Creek Diversion Dam is an earth dam located in Eureka County, Nevada, built in 1985. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About James Creek Diversion Dam
The primary purpose of James Creek Diversion Dam is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Nevada Gold Mines Llc (private). It impounds the James Creek near Carlin.
The dam stands 150 feet tall and stretches 785 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 17 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 325 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 15 square miles. Completed in 1985, the structure is 41 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 10/06/2022.
At 150 feet, this dam is taller than 99% of all dams in the United States.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Nevada dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Nevada |
| County | Eureka |
| Nearest City | Carlin |
| River/Stream | James Creek |
| Coordinates | 40.76750, -116.22060 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 150 ft |
| Dam Height | 60 ft |
| Dam Length | 785 ft |
| Year Completed | 1985 (41 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 325 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 325 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 50 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 17 acres |
| Drainage Area | 15 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 100 cfs |
| Spillway Type | None |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | NEVADA GOLD MINES LLC |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 10/06/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NV10239 |
| Federal ID | NV10239 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |