Fault found under Martis Dam

Recent study shows the likely existence of a recently active earthquake fault under the Martis Dam near Truckee.

The 36-year-old earthen-fill dam is located 3 miles east of Truckee in the Martis Valley and has been categorized as an “extremely high risk.”

Officials worry that water seepage could destabilize the dam. It is classified as one of the six riskiest in the nation.

But the Army Corps are keeping the water low to reduce the risks, and the water level as of March 6 was 793 acre-feet, compared to a total 20,400 acre-feet of capacity behind the dam, according to the report.

Potential solutions include removing, repairing, or replacing the dam, Rose said previously, but a decision is still years away.

In a best-case scenario, the study is scheduled to continue until 2011, followed by design work in 2012-13, and construction or other work around 2014-15, said Ron Rose with the Dam Safety Assurance Program last fall.