Simplot Tailings Dam

COLORADO RIVER-TR· Clark, Nevada· Built 1981· Earth· 185 ft tall
Low Hazard Tailings Private

Key Takeaway

Simplot Tailings Dam is classified as low hazard in Nevada. It was completed in 1981 and is 45 years old. Its primary use is tailings.

Physical Details

Dam Height 185 ft (taller than 97.2% in NV)
Dam Length12,200 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage12.9K acre-ft
Normal Storage12.9K acre-ft
Surface Area122 acres
Drainage Area10 sq mi
Max Discharge0 cfs
Year Completed1981 (45 years old)
NID IDNV00213

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: April 17, 2018
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NEVADA DWR

Ownership

SIMPLOT SILICA PRODUCTS

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Simplot Tailings Dam?

Simplot Tailings 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 Simplot Tailings Dam?

Simplot Tailings Dam is owned by SIMPLOT SILICA PRODUCTS (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Simplot Tailings Dam built?

Simplot Tailings Dam was completed in 1981, making it 45 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 Simplot Tailings Dam?

Simplot Tailings 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 Simplot Tailings Dam?

Simplot Tailings Dam has a dam height of 185 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 Simplot Tailings Dam last inspected?

Simplot Tailings Dam was last inspected on April 17, 2018. 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.