ELKO, Nev. (AP) — Nevada's state water engineer says an earthen dam that burst near the Utah line passed an inspection last summer.
Jason King, state engineer for Nevada's Water Resources Division, said Thursday the dam used to hold water for rural irrigation in Elko County received a "fair" rating in June on a scale of "poor, fair and satisfactory."
He said in an email to The Associated Press that inspectors recommended some improvements, including the removal of deep-rooted vegetation and the monitoring of areas where seepage occurs.
But he said there were "no issues identified as needing immediate attention."
King said the Twentyone Mile Dam that broke near Montello on Wednesday is considered a "low hazard structure," which means any breach is not expected to cause loss of life.