Trail closures remain in place for the Marlette Lake Dam rehabilitation project through final construction in late 2026. Following completion of the grading portion of the project and authorization for temporary impoundment, construction activities will decrease for the winter.
Project stakeholders want to remind the public that the area remains an active construction site and public access remains closed until the project is fully constructed in late 2026. In addition, access to the project area by emergency construction equipment is possible during the winter. Additional project activities will commence once site access is feasible.
Public inquiries and questions can be directed to marlettelakedam@gmail.com or 775-391-4119.
Public inquiries and questions can be directed to marlettelakedam@gmail.com or 775-391-4119. See the FAQs here and project map here.
Trails leading to and surrounding the area are closed to the public, including:
- North Canyon Road
- Marlette Lake Trail
- Marlette Creek Trail
- Hobart Road from Laxalt Junction to Marlette Lake
- Marlette Dam Trail
- Marlette Flume Trail South from the Rock Slide (see map)
- Marlette Lake Road
- Snow Valley Peak Road
- North Canyon Campground
- Hobbie Leonard Cabin
Additionally, existing closures remain in effect for the following trails due to the East Slope Transmission Main project that is being constructed in concurrence with the Marlette Dam Project:
- Franktown Creek Road
- Snapdragon Trail
- Hanna’s Cabin Trail
- Pipeline Road
- Red House Flume Road
- Lakeview Road
While construction is underway, the Tahoe Rim Trail and Capital to Tahoe Trail will remain open, as well as Hobart Reservoir and Ash Canyon Road. Visitors are reminded that using closed trails and entering construction zones is strictly prohibited and law enforcement will be patrolling the area. Access for emergency personnel will remain open throughout the project.
The Marlette Lake Dam is a critical component of the Marlette Lake Water System, which supplies water to Storey County and Carson City. The Dam was constructed in 1873 and raised in 1959. Seepage within the dam was first identified during an inspection in 2017 by the Nevada Division of Water Resources, and it was determined that this seepage could eventually lead to a catastrophic failure.
The Marlette Lake Dam Rehabilitation is funded by the FEMA Pre-Disaster Mitigation Fund and will improve the overall safety of the 150-year-old earthen embankment dam and ensure the longevity of the water resource. Environmental and cultural resource surveys were completed in the four-year planning span of the project in coordination with FEMA. The project is planned to end in October 2026.
