Aaron Way Detention Basin Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Boulder City, Nevada, the Aaron Way Detention Basin Dam, also known as Ville Drive Flood Improvements, was completed in 1992 to serve as a crucial tool for flood risk reduction in the area.


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Summary

The dam is primarily owned and regulated by the local government, with the Nevada Department of Water Resources overseeing its permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes. With a height of 30 feet and a length of 190 feet, the earth dam is designed to withstand the high hazard potential associated with its location on Hemenway Wash.

The dam features an uncontrolled spillway, with a width of 72 feet, and an uncontrolled outlet gate. Its maximum storage capacity is 21 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 0.3 square miles. Despite being rated as having a fair condition, the dam is subject to regular inspections and maintenance, with the last assessment conducted in May 2021. With a moderate risk assessment score of 3, the Aaron Way Detention Basin Dam remains a critical infrastructure for managing floodwaters and protecting the surrounding community from potential disaster.

Years Modified

2001 - Structural

Year Completed

1992

Dam Length

190

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

HEMENWAY WASH-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

30

Drainage Area

0.3

Nid Storage

21

Structural Height

18

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 1

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

30
       
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.