Las Vegas Wash Lower Detention Basin Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Las Vegas Wash Lower Detention Basin Dam, located in North Las Vegas, Nevada, serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along the Las Vegas Wash.


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Summary

Owned by the local government and regulated by the Nevada Department of Water Resources, this earth dam stands at a height of 53 feet with a hydraulic height of 44 feet, providing necessary protection to the surrounding area. With a storage capacity of 702 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 68,950 cubic feet per second, this dam plays a vital role in managing floodwaters during extreme weather events.

Constructed primarily with stone core and soil foundation, the Las Vegas Wash Lower Detention Basin Dam has a structural height of 56 feet and a length of 4200 feet. With an uncontrolled spillway and one uncontrolled outlet gate, this dam is designed to handle high hazard potential situations with fair condition assessment as of May 2021. While the risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk, the dam meets regulatory guidelines and inspection frequency requirements to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood protection.

As a significant part of the flood risk reduction infrastructure in the region, the Las Vegas Wash Lower Detention Basin Dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding communities and properties from potential inundation. With its strategic location and design features, this dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management in the face of climate challenges, highlighting the importance of proactive measures in mitigating flood risks in urban areas like North Las Vegas.

Dam Length

4200

Dam Height

53

River Or Stream

LAS VEGAS WASH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

40

Hydraulic Height

44

Drainage Area

35

Nid Storage

702

Structural Height

56

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 1

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

56
       
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.