Sun Valley Detention Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Sun Valley Detention Dam, located in Sparks, Nevada, along Sun Valley Creek, is a critical infrastructure owned and regulated by the local government with oversight from the Nevada Department of Water Resources.
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Summary
This earth dam stands at a height of 35 feet, with a hydraulic height of 27 feet and a structural height of 50 feet. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, serving to protect the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
With a storage capacity of 290 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 9500 cubic feet per second, Sun Valley Detention Dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow and reducing flood hazards in the region. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment was rated as fair during its most recent inspection in July 2021. It is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway, one outlet gate, and covers a surface area of 14 acres.
While the dam's risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk, ongoing inspections and maintenance ensure that it continues to function effectively in safeguarding the community from potential flood events. The dam's presence highlights the importance of proper water resource management and infrastructure maintenance in mitigating climate-related risks and ensuring the safety and resilience of surrounding areas.
Dam Length |
610 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
SUN VALLEY CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
14 |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Drainage Area |
11 |
Nid Storage |
290 |
Structural Height |
50 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
50 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Sun Valley Detention Dam