Bull Run Dam

BULL RUN CREEK· Elko, Nevada· Built 1955· Earth· 37 ft tall

Key Takeaway

Bull Run Dam is classified as low hazard in Nevada. It was completed in 1955 and is 71 years old. Its primary use is irrigation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 37 ft (taller than 70.6% in NV)
Dam Length541 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage1.3K acre-ft
Normal Storage1.0K acre-ft
Surface Area106 acres
Drainage Area60 sq mi
Max Discharge1,500 cfs
Year Completed1955 (71 years old)
NID IDNV00037

Safety Information

Low Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: July 24, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NEVADA DWR

Ownership

PETAN COMPANY OF NEVADA INC

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Bull Run Dam?

Bull Run 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 Bull Run Dam?

Bull Run Dam is owned by PETAN COMPANY OF NEVADA INC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Bull Run Dam built?

Bull Run Dam was completed in 1955, making it 71 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 Bull Run Dam?

Bull Run Dam serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Bull Run Dam?

Bull Run Dam has a dam height of 37 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 Bull Run Dam last inspected?

Bull Run Dam was last inspected on July 24, 2023. 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.