Construction wraps up on Cave Lake Rehabilitation Project

ELY – Much-needed repairs to the Cave Creek Dam, including bringing the nearly 90-year-old dam up to code and up to date, have been completed according to engineers with the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW).

Work began in October of 2019 and was done in coordination with the Nevada Public Works Division, the Nevada Division of Water Resources (NDWR) and the Nevada Division of State Parks (NDSP). The project was made possible thanks to critical funding sources, including Conserve Nevada funds, Heritage funding, and both state and federal contributions. The recently completed construction included an expanded spillway, increased stormwater storage capacity and improvements to the low-level buttress.

With construction complete, the process of refilling the lake has already begun. NDOW Fisheries biologist Heath Korell, one of the leads on the Cave Lake project, estimates it will take around nine months for the water level to return to pre-project levels. He also states that as the water levels return, NDOW will re-establish brown trout and rainbow trout populations to the lake as well as introduce smallmouth bass.

“This is a big step in turning Cave Lake back into a destination spot for visitors from all over the state,” said NDOW Director Alan Jenne. “A lot of people and a lot of different agencies have worked very hard on this project and we’re finally starting to see the results. It’s all very exciting.”

During the construction phase of the project, NDOW was also able to install over 200 artificial habitat structures in the lake, which will help in establishing healthy fish populations.

Draining began in October of 2021 and it reached minimum pool in January of 2022, however construction did not begin until May 2023. Throughout the process, Cave Lake State Park’s campgrounds and trails have remained open. Once construction equipment is fully removed, the lake will reopen for public use. However, day-use restrooms will remain closed until further maintenance is completed. 

Cave Lake is located in Cave Lake State Park, 14 miles southeast of Ely, and is a popular destination for anglers, boaters and outdoor enthusiasts for residents and nonresidents alike. Before the draw down of the Lake in 2019, the park averaged more than 63,000 visitors annually.