Big Five Dam
Key Takeaway
Big Five Dam is classified as low hazard in Nevada. It was completed in 1915 and is 111 years old. Its primary use is irrigation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 8 ft (taller than 3.2% in NV) |
| Dam Length | 6,000 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 130 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 787 acres |
| Drainage Area | 999 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,050 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1915 (111 years old) |
| NID ID | NV00060 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
PERSHING COUNTY WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Big Five Dam?
Big Five Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Big Five Dam?
Big Five Dam is owned by PERSHING COUNTY WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Big Five Dam built?
Big Five Dam was completed in 1915, making it 111 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 Big Five Dam?
Big Five Dam serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Big Five Dam?
Big Five Dam has a dam height of 8 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 Big Five Dam last inspected?
Big Five Dam was last inspected on September 8, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.