Deer Creek Diversion

Deer Creek· Nevada, California· Built 1928· Arch· 92 ft tall
High Hazard Debris Control Tailings Other Irrigation Water Supply Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Deer Creek Diversion is classified as high hazard in California. It was completed in 1928 and is 98 years old. Its primary use is debris control. 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 92 ft (taller than 80% in CA)
Dam Length334 ft
Dam TypeArch
Max Storage1.4K acre-ft
Surface Area56 acres
Drainage Area20 sq mi
Year Completed1928 (98 years old)
NID IDCA00246

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: September 29, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DWR, Division of Safety of Dams

Ownership

Nevada Irrigation District

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Deer Creek Diversion?

Deer Creek Diversion 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 Deer Creek Diversion?

Deer Creek Diversion is owned by Nevada Irrigation District (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Deer Creek Diversion built?

Deer Creek Diversion was completed in 1928, making it 98 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 Deer Creek Diversion?

Deer Creek Diversion serves the following purposes: Debris Control, Tailings, Other, Irrigation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Deer Creek Diversion?

Deer Creek Diversion has a dam height of 92 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 Deer Creek Diversion last inspected?

Deer Creek Diversion was last inspected on September 29, 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.