Sierra Sage Ponds

SILVER LAKE-TR· Washoe, Nevada· Built 1966· Earth· 16 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Sierra Sage Ponds is classified as high hazard in Nevada. It was completed in 1966 and is 60 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 16 ft (taller than 29.2% in NV)
Dam Length300 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage24 acre-ft
Normal Storage15 acre-ft
Surface Area5 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge40 cfs
Year Completed1966 (60 years old)
NID IDNV10551

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 1, 2023
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NEVADA DWR

Ownership

WASHOE COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Sierra Sage Ponds?

Sierra Sage Ponds 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 Sierra Sage Ponds?

Sierra Sage Ponds is owned by WASHOE COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Sierra Sage Ponds built?

Sierra Sage Ponds was completed in 1966, making it 60 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 Sierra Sage Ponds?

Sierra Sage Ponds serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Sierra Sage Ponds?

Sierra Sage Ponds 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 Sierra Sage Ponds last inspected?

Sierra Sage Ponds was last inspected on June 1, 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.