Argenta Tailings Dam

HUMBOLDT RIVER-OS· Lander, Nevada· Built 1991· Earth· 36 ft tall
Significant Hazard Tailings Private

Key Takeaway

Argenta Tailings Dam is classified as significant hazard in Nevada. It was completed in 1991 and is 35 years old. Its primary use is tailings. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 36 ft (taller than 69.6% in NV)
Dam Length4,700 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage285 acre-ft
Normal Storage280 acre-ft
Surface Area10 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge20 cfs
Year Completed1991 (35 years old)
NID IDNV00178

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: October 6, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NEVADA DWR

Ownership

ARGENTA LLC

Private

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Argenta Tailings Dam?

Argenta Tailings Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Argenta Tailings Dam?

Argenta Tailings Dam is owned by ARGENTA LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Argenta Tailings Dam built?

Argenta Tailings Dam was completed in 1991, making it 35 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Argenta Tailings Dam?

Argenta Tailings Dam serves the following purposes: Tailings. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Argenta Tailings Dam?

Argenta Tailings Dam has a dam height of 36 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Argenta Tailings Dam last inspected?

Argenta Tailings Dam was last inspected on October 6, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.