Town Wash Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Town Wash Dam, also known as Jim Wilson Detention Basin, is a concrete structure located in Mesquite, Nevada, designed primarily for flood risk reduction along the Town Wash river.
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Summary
Completed in 1992, the dam stands at a height of 41 feet with a hydraulic height of 32 feet, providing a storage capacity of 485 acre-feet. With a structural height of 45 feet and a length of 900 feet, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating the high hazard potential posed by potential flooding in the region.
Managed by the local government and regulated by the Nevada Department of Water Resources, Town Wash Dam has been assessed to be in fair condition during its most recent inspection in February 2022. Despite its fair condition, the dam's emergency action plan status and risk assessment have not been updated recently, highlighting the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure its effectiveness in flood risk reduction. With an uncontrolled spillway and one outlet gate, the dam serves as a critical infrastructure for the community's safety and well-being.
In the face of changing climate patterns and increasing water resource challenges, Town Wash Dam stands as a vital asset in protecting the residents of Mesquite from potential flooding events. As climate enthusiasts and water resource advocates, it is imperative to support ongoing efforts to maintain and improve the dam's infrastructure to enhance its resilience and effectiveness in safeguarding the community against flood risks.
Year Completed |
1992 |
Dam Length |
900 |
Dam Height |
41 |
River Or Stream |
TOWN WASH |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
10 |
Hydraulic Height |
32 |
Nid Storage |
485 |
Structural Height |
45 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
45 |
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.
Town Wash Dam
Virgin River