Faultless Nuclear Test Site, Nevada

Faultless was a large (approx. one megaton) underground nuclear experiment conducted in 1968 to test the possibility of developing the area as a second nuclear testing location. The Central Nevada Test Site would have hosted several high-yield nuclear tests associated with anti-ballistic missile systems; however, faulting and slumping of the ground during this first test proved that the area was geologically unsuitable, and the group of tests were conducted in Alaska. Visible remnants include an eight-foot thick, steel lined column which has an Atomic Energy Commission plaque on it, and a dry waste water pond. Base camp for the Central Nevada Test Site, with several buildings and an active, lighted landing strip on Highway 6, is now used by the Air Force for activities around the northeast edge of the Nellis Range, including at Halligan Mesa.