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.

High HazardFair ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateNevada
CountyElko
Nearest CitySpring Creek
River/StreamSpring Creek
Coordinates40.74170, -115.57110

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height27 ft
Dam Height25 ft
Dam Length600 ft
Year Completed1972 (54 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage230 acre-ft
Max Storage230 acre-ft
Normal Storage230 acre-ft
Surface Area32 acres
Drainage Area5 sq mi
Max Discharge1,440 cfs
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeRecreation
OwnerSPRING CREEK ASSOCIATION
Owner TypePrivate
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentFair
Last Inspection07/26/2023
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDNV00009
Federal IDNV00009
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

Nearby Dams