Tropicana Detention Basin Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Located in Clark, Nevada, the Tropicana Detention Basin Dam is a crucial piece of infrastructure designed by the USA Corps of Engineers to mitigate flood risks along the Tropicana Wash.


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Summary

Completed in 1999, this earth dam stands at a height of 39 feet and spans a length of 2780 feet, providing a storage capacity of 825 acre-feet. With a spillway width of 3485 feet and a maximum discharge of 13000 cubic feet per second, the dam serves as a vital flood risk reduction measure in the region.

The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, and it is regulated by the Nevada Department of Water Resources. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam is in fair condition as of the last assessment in October 2021. Its emergency action plan was last revised in November 2017, and while it meets regulatory guidelines, there are no specific risk management measures in place. Overall, the Tropicana Detention Basin Dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding the community of Las Vegas from potential flood events, highlighting the importance of proactive water resource management in the face of climate change.

Year Completed

1999

Dam Length

2780

Dam Height

39

River Or Stream

TROPICANA WASH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

52.8

Hydraulic Height

9.8

Drainage Area

172.1

Nid Storage

825

Structural Height

39

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 1

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

39
       
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.