Black Beauty
Key Takeaway
Black Beauty is classified as high hazard in Nevada. It was completed in 1952 and is 74 years old. Its primary use is water supply. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 52 ft (taller than 82.7% in NV) |
| Dam Length | 1,700 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 147 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 130 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 6 acres |
| Max Discharge | 30 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1952 (74 years old) |
| NID ID | NV10103 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Hawthorne Army Depot
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Black Beauty?
Black Beauty is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Black Beauty?
Black Beauty is owned by Hawthorne Army Depot (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Black Beauty built?
Black Beauty was completed in 1952, making it 74 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 Black Beauty?
Black Beauty serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Black Beauty?
Black Beauty has a dam height of 52 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 Black Beauty last inspected?
Black Beauty was last inspected on October 1, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.