Nevada's Aging Dams Face Urgent Upgrades Amid Rising Seismic Activity Concerns

Nevada is no stranger to the risks associated with seismic activity, and recent events have reignited concerns about the safety of the state’s dams. With over 600 dams under state oversight, a quarter are classified as high hazard, posing potential threats to lives and infrastructure in the event of failure. As the state grapples with more immediate environmental challenges like drought and climate change, the recent tremors serve as stark reminders of the vulnerabilities inherent in Nevada’s aging infrastructure. Historically, Nevada has been known for its seismic activity, especially through the mid-20th century. Although major earthquakes have been scarce since then, recent quakes have drawn attention to the risks they pose. For instance, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake off the California coast caused notable disturbances in Death Valley, while a 5.8 magnitude quake near Yerington rattled objects in Northern Nevada. Fortunately, these quakes did not result in significant damage, but they highlighted the potential dangers lurking beneath the surface. As state officials reflect on the implications of these recent earthquakes, they recognize the urgent need to reinforce aging dams, particularly those constructed long before modern engineering standards were established. Many of these dams, primarily made of earth and natural materials, are susceptible to significant damage during seismic events. Keith Conrad, chief of dam safety at Nevada's Division of Water Resources, underscores the critical nature of these upgrades, especially as Nevada's seismic history continues to unfold with the discovery of new faults. One significant project currently underway is the seismic retrofit of the Marlette Lake Dam, which is over 150 years old. This dam is considered a high hazard due to its age and location in a seismically active area. Its failure could lead to devastating floods and water contamination, affecting tens of thousands of residents. The state’s proactive approach, bolstered by federal funds, aims to mitigate these risks and ensure the integrity of vital water supply systems. The urgency of these upgrades is further underscored by Nevada's ranking—third in the nation for the frequency of large earthquakes over the past 150 years. The potential for significant seismic events, particularly in urban areas such as Reno and Las Vegas, poses a considerable risk, as highlighted by Christie Rowe, director of the Nevada Seismological Laboratory. She emphasizes that while recent earthquakes have spared densely populated areas, the potential for catastrophic consequences remains. The need for enhanced safety measures is echoed in reports assessing the condition of Nevada’s dams, which have received low grades for their structural integrity. With nearly a quarter of the state-monitored dams classified as high hazard, the importance of ongoing inspections and emergency action plans cannot be overstated. Although Nevada has not faced a federal emergency declaration due to a dam failure, the history of previous incidents serves as a cautionary tale. As the state moves forward with necessary improvements, the Marlette Lake Dam is set to be upgraded to reduce the likelihood of a breach, which could have disastrous downstream effects. This project, among others, aims not just to fortify the state’s water supply but to bolster the resilience of communities and maintain essential services during seismic events. While the most immediate environmental threats may loom larger in public consciousness, the recent earthquakes have served as a critical reminder of the interconnectedness of infrastructure safety and community resilience. As Nevada continues to confront the realities of its seismic history, proactive measures will be essential in safeguarding lives and livelihoods against future tremors.