The Las Vegas Wash Upper Detention Basin Dam is a crucial structure designed by Black & Veatch to manage flood risk along the Las Vegas Wash in North Las Vegas, Nevada.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1993, this earth dam stands at a height of 55 feet and has a structural height of 71 feet, with a capacity to store up to 1760 acre-feet of water. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, serving as a vital infrastructure to protect the surrounding areas from potential inundation during heavy rainfall events.
Located in Clark County, Nevada, the Las Vegas Wash Upper Detention Basin Dam plays a significant role in the region's water resource management. With a drainage area of 516 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 180,750 cubic feet per second, this dam is equipped with uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates to regulate water flow. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2021 rated it as fair, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood control.
Overall, the Las Vegas Wash Upper Detention Basin Dam stands as a critical piece of infrastructure in safeguarding the community against flooding events along the Las Vegas Wash. With its strategic design and capacity to store excess water, this earth dam serves as a key asset in mitigating flood risks and protecting the surrounding areas from potential inundation, highlighting the importance of proactive water resource and climate management practices in the region.
Year Completed |
1993 |
Dam Length |
6594 |
Dam Height |
55 |
River Or Stream |
LAS VEGAS WASH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
165 |
Hydraulic Height |
37 |
Drainage Area |
516 |
Nid Storage |
1760 |
Structural Height |
71 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 1 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
71 |