Gibbs Ranch Dam

HOT CREEK· Elko, Nevada· Built 1997· Earth· 40 ft tall

Key Takeaway

Gibbs Ranch Dam is classified as high hazard in Nevada. It was completed in 1997 and is 29 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. 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 40 ft (taller than 73.6% in NV)
Dam Length625 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage520 acre-ft
Normal Storage400 acre-ft
Surface Area18 acres
Drainage Area7 sq mi
Max Discharge325 cfs
Year Completed1997 (29 years old)
NID IDNV10410

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: June 20, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NEVADA DWR

Ownership

GIBBS WH

Private

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Gibbs Ranch Dam?

Gibbs Ranch 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 Gibbs Ranch Dam?

Gibbs Ranch Dam is owned by GIBBS WH (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Gibbs Ranch Dam built?

Gibbs Ranch Dam was completed in 1997, making it 29 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 Gibbs Ranch Dam?

Gibbs Ranch Dam serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Recreation, Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Gibbs Ranch Dam?

Gibbs Ranch Dam has a dam height of 40 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 Gibbs Ranch Dam last inspected?

Gibbs Ranch Dam was last inspected on June 20, 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.