Nelson Dam

ROCK CREEK-OS· Lander, Nevada· Earth· 16 ft tall

Key Takeaway

Nelson Dam is classified as low hazard in Nevada. Its primary use is irrigation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 16 ft (taller than 29.2% in NV)
Dam Length2,430 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage100 acre-ft
Normal Storage40 acre-ft
Surface Area13 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge640 cfs
NID IDNV00059

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: October 6, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NEVADA DWR

Ownership

NELSON RANCH

Private

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Nelson Dam?

Nelson Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Nelson Dam?

Nelson Dam is owned by NELSON RANCH (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

What is the primary purpose of Nelson Dam?

Nelson Dam serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Nelson Dam?

Nelson Dam has a dam height of 16 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 Nelson Dam last inspected?

Nelson Dam was last inspected on October 6, 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.