South Fork Dam, Nevada, USA

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Quick Facts About South Fork Dam

Location: Elko, Nevada
Coordinates: 40.68332, -115.78463
River: South Fork Humboldt River
Primary Purpose: Recreation
Type: Earth
Commissioned: 1989
Dam Height: 55 ft (17 m)
Dam Length: 1,650 ft (503 m)
Dam Capacity: 52,500 acre-ft (64,758 Ml)

South Fork Dam Map

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South Fork Dam Information

South Fork Dam is an earthen embankment dam located about 20 miles from Palisade, Elko, Nevada.

The dam, which is on the South Fork Humboldt River, was primarily built for Recreation purposes, but also serves for Fish and Wildlife Pond and Flood Risk Reduction benefits.

The dam was designed by NEVADA DCNR and commissioned in 1989 and is currently owned by NEVADA DCNR.

South Fork Dam Structure

The South Fork Dam is approximately 1,650 feet (503 m) long, 55 feet (17 m) high and has a structural volume of 600,000 cubic yards (458,733 cubic metres).

South Fork Dam Storage Capacity & Surface Area

The reservoir has a normal storage capacity of 41,250 acre-ft (50,881 Ml) and maximum capacity of 52,500 acre-ft (64,758 Ml).

The surface area of the reservoir is 1,900 acres (769 ha) and the total catchment area is 903 square miles (2,339 square kilometres).

South Fork Dam Spillway

The dam spillway has a maximum discharge capacity of 7750 cubic feet per second (219 cubic metres per second).

South Fork Dam Compared to Four Famous American Dams

South Fork Dam
Elko, Nevada
Hoover Dam
Clark County, Nevada
Grand Coulee Dam
Okanogan County, Washington
Theodore Roosevelt Dam
Maricopa County, Arizona
Glen Canyon Dam
Coconino County, Arizona
Height (ft) 55 730 550 357 216
Length (Ft) 1,650 1,244 5,673 6,920 1,565
Storage Volume (acre-ft) 52,500 30,237,000 9,562,000 3,540,000 29,875,000
Drainage Area (sq miles) 903 167,800 74,100 3,611 108,355

South Fork Dam Weather

Current Conditions at South Fork Dam

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7-Day Forecast for South Fork Dam

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South Fork Dam Frequently Asked Questions

In which state is the South Fork Dam?

South Fork Dam is in Nevada.

In which county is the South Fork Dam?

South Fork Dam is in Elko County.

How high is the South Fork Dam?

South Fork Dam is 55 feet high.

How long is the South Fork Dam?

South Fork Dam is 1,650 feet long.

Condition Assessment Classification

Satisfactory

No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.

Fair

No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum

Poor

A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.

Unsatisfactory

A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.

Not Rated

The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.

Not Available

Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High

Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.

Significant

Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.

Low

Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner’s property.

Undetermined

Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.

Not Available

Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.

Source: National Inventory of Dams

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