Cave Creek Reservoir at Cave Lake State Park in eastern Nevada is experiencing a revival, now full again after a significant restoration project that began in 2019. The reservoir, situated below a dam constructed in the 1930s, had to be drained in 2021 for necessary repairs, reaching its lowest level in January 2022. The Nevada Department of Wildlife has announced plans to restock the reservoir with 17,000 fish to reestablish its aquatic life.
A celebration event, “Rediscover Cave Lake,” is planned for June 7, organized by Nevada State Parks, the state wildlife department, and White Pine County. Visitors are advised to be cautious of debris from vegetation that grew during the dry period.
Despite the reservoir’s restoration, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers still classifies Cave Creek Dam, near Ely, as a “high hazard” dam, indicating potential risks of significant damage and loss of life if it were to fail. The dam’s condition is rated as poor, with the last inspection conducted in August 2022. There is currently no information on when the next federal inspection will occur.