Antelope Valley Detention Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Antelope Valley Detention Dam, located in Mohave, Arizona, serves as a crucial debris control structure along the Clayhole Wash.


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Summary

Constructed in 1963 by the Bureau of Land Management, this gravity dam stands at a hydraulic height of 16 feet and a structural height of 17 feet, with a length of 1380 feet. It has a storage capacity of 267 acre-feet, providing protection to the surrounding area from potential flooding and sediment buildup.

Managed and funded by the Bureau of Land Management, Antelope Valley Detention Dam is classified as a low hazard potential structure with a fair condition assessment. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the dam has not been modified in recent years and lacks certain emergency preparedness features such as an Emergency Action Plan. With a maximum discharge capacity of 826.5 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a vital role in safeguarding the local community and ecosystem from the impacts of extreme weather events.

While Antelope Valley Detention Dam has not undergone recent inspections or assessments, its presence as a debris control structure on the Clayhole Wash highlights the importance of maintaining and monitoring such critical infrastructure in the face of changing climate patterns. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to advocate for regular inspection and maintenance of these vital structures to ensure their effectiveness in mitigating flood risks and preserving the surrounding environment for future generations.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

1380

River Or Stream

CLAYHOLE WASH

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

37.4

Hydraulic Height

16

Drainage Area

5.3

Nid Storage

267

Structural Height

17

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

17
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.