Lahontan
Key Takeaway
Lahontan is classified as high hazard in Nevada. It was completed in 1915 and is 111 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 | 120 ft (taller than 94% in NV) |
| Dam Length | 1,915 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 422.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 317.2K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 15,000 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,903 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 26,200 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1915 (111 years old) |
| NID ID | NV10123 |
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
RECLAMATION
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lahontan?
Lahontan 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 Lahontan?
Lahontan is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lahontan built?
Lahontan was completed in 1915, making it 111 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 Lahontan?
Lahontan serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Irrigation, Recreation, Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lahontan?
Lahontan has a dam height of 120 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 Lahontan last inspected?
Lahontan was last inspected on August 13, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.