Washoe Lake Dam
Washoe Lake Dam is a masonry dam located in Washoe County, Nevada. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About Washoe Lake Dam
The primary purpose of Washoe Lake Dam is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Washoe Lk Res & Galena Ck Ditch Co (private). It impounds the Steamboat Creek near Pleasant Valley.
The dam stands 12 feet tall and stretches 30 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 45 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 400 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 83 square miles.
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 poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 07/18/2023.
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 | Washoe |
| Nearest City | Pleasant Valley |
| River/Stream | Steamboat Creek |
| Coordinates | 39.32970, -119.80200 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Masonry |
| NID Height | 12 ft |
| Dam Height | 12 ft |
| Dam Length | 30 ft |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 400 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 400 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 300 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 45 acres |
| Drainage Area | 83 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 200 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Irrigation |
| Owner | WASHOE LK RES & GALENA CK DITCH CO |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 07/18/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NV10472 |
| Federal ID | NV10472 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |