Oakey Detention Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Oakey Detention Dam, located in Las Vegas, Nevada, is a crucial piece of infrastructure designed for flood risk reduction along the Las Vegas Wash.


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Summary

Owned by the local government, this earth dam stands at a height of 19 feet with a hydraulic height of 14 feet. With a storage capacity of 271 acre-feet, the dam plays a vital role in controlling water flow and protecting the surrounding areas from potential flooding.

Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the condition of Oakey Detention Dam is assessed as fair, with the last inspection conducted in May 2021. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates. While the risk assessment is moderate, measures for risk management and emergency preparedness are not explicitly outlined. As a key structure in flood control, ongoing monitoring and maintenance are essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of Oakey Detention Dam for the community it serves.

Overall, Oakey Detention Dam serves as a critical asset for water resource management in the region, highlighting the importance of infrastructure in mitigating flood risks and protecting communities from potential disasters. With its strategic location and design, this dam is a key component in the overall water management system in the Las Vegas area, emphasizing the need for continued attention and investment in maintaining its functionality and safety for the future.

Dam Length

2300

Dam Height

19

River Or Stream

LAS VEGAS WASH-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

13

Hydraulic Height

14

Nid Storage

271

Structural Height

19

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 1

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

19
       
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.