North Block Tailings Impoundment Dam

RODEO CREEK-OS· Eureka, Nevada· Built 1993· Earth· 520 ft tall

High Hazard Tailings Private

Key Takeaway

North Block Tailings Impoundment Dam is classified as high hazard in Nevada. It was completed in 1993 and is 33 years old. Its primary use is tailings. 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	520 ft (taller than 99.6% in NV)
Dam Length	16,200 ft
Dam Type	Earth
Max Storage	160.7K acre-ft
Normal Storage	156.4K acre-ft

Surface Area	611 acres
Drainage Area	1 sq mi
Max Discharge	10 cfs
Year Completed	1993 (33 years old)
NID ID	NV10414

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: May 13, 2020

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: NEVADA DWR

Ownership

NEVADA GOLD MINES LLC

Private

Nearby Dams

Barrick Roaster Pond Dam

Eureka, NV

Significant Hazard 28 ft

Barrick Goldstrike Tsf 3 Dam

Eureka, NV

High Hazard 200 ft

Mill #4 Tailings #1 Dam

Eureka, NV

Significant Hazard 182 ft

A-A Tails Dam

Eureka, NV

Significant Hazard 220 ft

North Area Leach Stormwater Pond Dam

Eureka, NV

Significant Hazard 30 ft

North Area Leachate Pond Addition Dam

Eureka, NV

Low Hazard 29 ft

Newmont North Area Leachate Ponds Dam

Eureka, NV

Low Hazard 25 ft

Mill #4 Tailings #2 Dam

Eureka, NV

Significant Hazard 165 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of North Block Tailings Impoundment Dam?

North Block Tailings Impoundment 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 North Block Tailings Impoundment Dam?

North Block Tailings Impoundment Dam is owned by NEVADA GOLD MINES LLC (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was North Block Tailings Impoundment Dam built?

North Block Tailings Impoundment Dam was completed in 1993, making it 33 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 North Block Tailings Impoundment Dam?

North Block Tailings Impoundment Dam serves the following purposes: Tailings. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is North Block Tailings Impoundment Dam?

North Block Tailings Impoundment Dam has a dam height of 520 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 North Block Tailings Impoundment Dam last inspected?

North Block Tailings Impoundment Dam was last inspected on May 13, 2020. 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.