Kingston Canyon Dam

KINGSTON CREEK· Lander, Nevada· Built 1969· Earth· 34 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Fish And Wildlife Pond State Government

Key Takeaway

Kingston Canyon Dam is classified as high hazard in Nevada. It was completed in 1969 and is 57 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 34 ft (taller than 66.8% in NV)
Dam Length419 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage190 acre-ft
Normal Storage190 acre-ft
Surface Area17 acres
Drainage Area16 sq mi
Max Discharge2,300 cfs
Year Completed1969 (57 years old)
NID IDNV00127

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: August 10, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NEVADA DWR

Ownership

NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE

State Government

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Kingston Canyon Dam?

Kingston Canyon 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 Kingston Canyon Dam?

Kingston Canyon Dam is owned by NEVADA DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Kingston Canyon Dam built?

Kingston Canyon Dam was completed in 1969, making it 57 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 Kingston Canyon Dam?

Kingston Canyon Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation, Fish And Wildlife Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Kingston Canyon Dam?

Kingston Canyon Dam has a dam height of 34 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 Kingston Canyon Dam last inspected?

Kingston Canyon Dam was last inspected on August 10, 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.