Meadows Detention Basin Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Meadows Detention Basin Dam, located in Las Vegas, Nevada, serves as a crucial structure for flood risk reduction along the Las Vegas Wash-TR.


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Summary

Completed in 1990, this earth dam stands at a height of 17.2 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 235 acre-feet. With a surface area of 22 acres and a drainage area of 20 square miles, the dam plays a vital role in managing water flow and mitigating potential hazards.

The primary purpose of Meadows Detention Basin Dam is flood risk reduction, but it also serves other functions such as providing a fish and wildlife pond and recreational opportunities. The dam's spillway, with a width of 30 feet, is uncontrolled and has a maximum discharge capacity of 4644 cubic feet per second. Despite being classified with a high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2021 was rated as fair, indicating adequate maintenance and upkeep to ensure its structural integrity.

Managed by the Nevada Division of Water Resources, Meadows Detention Basin Dam is subject to state regulation and inspection to ensure compliance with safety standards. With a risk assessment rating of moderate, ongoing risk management measures are in place to address any potential concerns. This dam stands as a critical infrastructure in the region, playing a key role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts.

Years Modified

2003 - Hydraulic

Year Completed

1990

Dam Length

150

Dam Height

17.2

River Or Stream

LAS VEGAS WASH-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

22

Hydraulic Height

13

Drainage Area

20

Nid Storage

235

Structural Height

11.2

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

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.