Carlin Gold Tailings Dam

SHEEP CREEK-TR· Eureka, Nevada· Built 1991· Earth· 270 ft tall
Low Hazard Tailings Private

Key Takeaway

Carlin Gold Tailings Dam is classified as low hazard in Nevada. It was completed in 1991 and is 35 years old. Its primary use is tailings.

Physical Details

Dam Height 270 ft (taller than 99% in NV)
Dam Length2,500 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage4.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage4.0K acre-ft
Surface Area120 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge2 cfs
Year Completed1991 (35 years old)
Year Modified2015
NID IDNV00133

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 31, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NEVADA DWR

Ownership

NEVADA GOLD MINES LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Mill #4 Tailings #2 Dam

Eureka, NV

Significant Hazard 165 ft

Newmont North Area Leachate Ponds Dam

Eureka, NV

Low Hazard 25 ft

North Area Leachate Pond Addition Dam

Eureka, NV

Low Hazard 29 ft

North Area Leach Stormwater Pond Dam

Eureka, NV

Significant Hazard 30 ft

A-A Tails Dam

Eureka, NV

Significant Hazard 220 ft

Mill #4 Tailings #1 Dam

Eureka, NV

Significant Hazard 182 ft

Barrick Goldstrike Tsf 3 Dam

Eureka, NV

High Hazard 200 ft

North Block Tailings Impoundment Dam

Eureka, NV

High Hazard 520 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Carlin Gold Tailings Dam?

Carlin Gold Tailings 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 Carlin Gold Tailings Dam?

Carlin Gold Tailings Dam is owned by NEVADA GOLD MINES LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Carlin Gold Tailings Dam built?

Carlin Gold 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 Carlin Gold Tailings Dam?

Carlin Gold 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 Carlin Gold Tailings Dam?

Carlin Gold Tailings Dam has a dam height of 270 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 Carlin Gold Tailings Dam last inspected?

Carlin Gold Tailings Dam was last inspected on July 31, 2019. 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.