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Derby Diversion Dam
Derby Diversion Dam.jpg
Aerial view of the dam
Derby Dam is located in Nevada
Derby Dam
Location in Nevada
Derby Dam is located in the United States
Derby Dam
Location in the United States
Location Storey / Washoe counties, Nevada
Nearest city Sparks, Nevada
Built 1903
MPS Newlands Reclamation TR (AD)
NRHP reference No. 78001727
Added to NRHP April 26, 1978

Derby Dam is a diversion dam built from 1903 to 1905 on the Truckee River, located about 20 miles (32 km) east of Reno in Storey and Washoe counties in Nevada, United States. It diverts water into the Truckee Canal that would otherwise enter Pyramid Lake. The canal feeds Lake Lahontan reservoir in the Carson River watershed, where it is used for irrigation.

It was the first project of the newly organized U.S. Reclamation Service (known today as the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation), organized by the Reclamation Act of 1902.

As a result of the diversion, Winnemucca Lake lost inflow and dried up, and Pyramid Lake lost more than 80 feet (24 m) in elevation, resulting in the near-extinction of the Lahontan cutthroat trout.

The dam is operated by the Truckee-Carson Irrigation District. It was named after the Derby Southern Pacific Railroad station.

History

The dam was constructed for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation following an authorization for construction issued on March 14, 1903. Construction commenced on October 2, 1903 and was completed on May 20, 1905.

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