Blue Diamond Upper Detention Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

The Blue Diamond Upper Detention Dam, located in Las Vegas, Nevada, is a crucial structure designed by the USA Corps of Engineers to mitigate flood risks in the region.


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Summary

Completed in 2000, this earth dam stands at a height of 61 feet and has a hydraulic height of 44.5 feet, with a storage capacity of 691 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, serving as a vital component in the management of the Las Vegas Wash-TR waterway.

With a spillway width of 1831 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 148,650 cubic feet per second, the Blue Diamond Upper Detention Dam is equipped to handle high hazard potential situations. Despite being assessed as in fair condition, the dam is subject to regular inspections and regulatory oversight by the Nevada Department of Water Resources. The dam's strategic location and design make it a key asset in protecting the surrounding areas from potential flooding events, showcasing effective water resource management in the face of climate challenges.

Year Completed

2000

Dam Length

3073

Dam Height

61

River Or Stream

LAS VEGAS WASH-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

138.6

Hydraulic Height

44.5

Drainage Area

68.3

Nid Storage

691

Structural Height

61

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 1

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

61
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.