Spring Creek Dam #1
Spring Creek Dam #1 is an earth dam located in Elko County, Nevada, built in 1972. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Spring Creek Dam #1
The primary purpose of Spring Creek Dam #1 is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Spring Creek Association (private). It impounds the Spring Creek near Spring Creek.
The dam stands 27 feet tall and stretches 600 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 32 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 230 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 5 square miles. Completed in 1972, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 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 07/26/2023.
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 | Elko |
| Nearest City | Spring Creek |
| River/Stream | Spring Creek |
| Coordinates | 40.74170, -115.57110 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 27 ft |
| Dam Height | 25 ft |
| Dam Length | 600 ft |
| Year Completed | 1972 (54 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 230 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 230 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 230 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 32 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,440 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Recreation |
| Owner | SPRING CREEK ASSOCIATION |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 07/26/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NV00009 |
| Federal ID | NV00009 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |