Cave Creek Dam Wins APWA 2025 Project of the Year
May 12, 2025

Michael Kelley and Shane Dyer presenting Cave Creek Dam for Project of the Year

J-U-B ENGINEERS, Inc. is proud to announce that the Cave Creek Dam Rehabilitation Project has won the 2025 APWA Nevada – Project of the Year Award! The project was classified in the large $10M+ Disaster or Emergency Repair category. This well-deserved recognition highlights our team’s dedication to delivering critical infrastructure solutions.

Located approximately 10 miles southeast of Ely, Nevada, Cave Creek Dam is an 80 feet tall high-hazard structure owned by the Nevada Department of Wildlife. After decades of seepage, instability, and an outlet failure, J-U-B was contracted to investigate existing issues, develop an emergency response plan, and design and oversee construction of a full rehabilitation solution for the dam.

Project Highlights: 

• Emergency drawdown using a siphon system
• Full replacement of embankment, low-level outlet, and spillway
• Dual stage chimney and toe drain system for long-term stability
• Discovery and mitigation of a cave and overhang feature in the rock abutment
• Extensive permitting and collaboration with state and federal agencies

Michael Kelley, Jed Wheeler (APWA Director), Shane Dyer, and Lonnie Johnson at the Awards Banquet

This project was a true team effort, with collaboration from Black Eagle Consulting and RB&G Engineering to provide geotechnical expertise. Our work on Cave Creek Dam showcases J-U-B’s ability to lead complex water resource projects while prioritizing safety, environmental responsibility, and long-term resilience.

Shane Dyer, Lonnie Johnson, and Michael Kelley (Reno office) at the APWA Awards Banquet

A huge thank you to Reno Staff who participated in the project and the core project team which included: Shane Dyer (PM), Michael Kelley (Project Engineer and CM lead), Joey Laprevote (structural), and Dan Dyer (QC and CM support).

Congratulations to the entire team for earning this prestigious award and making an impact in the industry.