Fifth Street Wash Dam
Key Takeaway
Fifth Street Wash Dam is classified as high hazard in Nevada. It was completed in 1968 and is 58 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 35 ft (taller than 67.4% in NV) |
| Dam Length | 1,050 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 230 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 11 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,270 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1968 (58 years old) |
| NID ID | NV00147 |
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
CITY OF ELKO
Local Government
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Low Hazard 8 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Fifth Street Wash Dam?
Fifth Street Wash Dam 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 Fifth Street Wash Dam?
Fifth Street Wash Dam is owned by CITY OF ELKO (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Fifth Street Wash Dam built?
Fifth Street Wash Dam was completed in 1968, making it 58 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 Fifth Street Wash Dam?
Fifth Street Wash Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Fifth Street Wash Dam?
Fifth Street Wash Dam has a dam height of 35 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 Fifth Street Wash Dam last inspected?
Fifth Street Wash Dam was last inspected on July 26, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.