The $23 million Marlette Lake dam rehabilitation project was completed this month and access to the west side of Spooner Lake backcountry was opened, providing access to trails that had been closed since June 2025 when the project started. The historic water system was constructed in the mid-1870s to provide water to Virginia City. After draining the reservoir, the project removed the existing earthen dam and constructed a new one. The project also included upgrades to help the dam better withstand earthquakes, improvements to the spillway and replacement of the discharge piping and outlet valves, according to a news release. The dam is a critical component of the Marlette Lake Water System, which supplies water to Carson City and Storey County.