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Corps of Engineers begins Martis Creek Dam safety study

Sun staff report

SACRAMENTO ” The U.S Army Corps of Engineers is beginning a multi-year investigation of the hydrologic and seismic safety of Martis Creek Dam, which is located three miles east of Truckee. The dam is a flood-control structure that stores water only during large floods, protecting Reno and surrounding communities.

Recent information indicates that the dam may not be able to store large amounts of water, primarily due to seepage concerns. As a result of these concerns and the large metropolitan areas downstream, the dam has been classified by the Corps as “extremely high risk.”

The investigations will be phased and will consist of office and field studies. The first large field investigation, which will be drilling and soil sample collection, will begin on Sept. 17. This phase of drilling will last approximately 10 weeks.



All public access to the dam will be closed during this time, although access to the reservoir and campground will be unaffected.

Updates will be provided periodically through public meetings and/or newspaper announcements.


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