Dam Background

The City of Reno owns and maintains ten high hazard flood detention dams located within the City limits.  The dams help control flooding by allowing for the storage of excess rainwater and allowing for the controlled release of water in a regulated manner, thus preventing floods downstream when there is heavy inflow to the dams.  Most of the dams consist earthen embankment raised from compacted soil. 

Dam Safety

Annual dam inspections are coordinated with NDWR through regular inspection to determine the condition of the dam structures.  The reports identify the safety and maintenance issues but it is the City’s responsibility to make the repairs and ensuring the maintenance is completed properly.