The Lakes Detention Basin Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Lakes Detention Basin Dam in Las Vegas, Nevada, serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure in the area.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 2000 by the designer PBS&J, this earth dam stands at a height of 7 feet and a length of 1300 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 143 acre-feet. Situated along the Flamingo Wash, this dam plays a vital role in controlling water flow and preventing potential flooding in the region.

Maintained and regulated by the Nevada Department of Water Resources, the Lakes Detention Basin Dam has a low hazard potential with a satisfactory condition assessment as of the last inspection in November 2019. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway, one outlet gate, and is equipped to handle a maximum discharge of 2000 cubic feet per second. With a drainage area of 2.6 square miles and a surface area of 14 acres, this dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding community from the impacts of extreme weather events.

Overall, The Lakes Detention Basin Dam is a vital infrastructure project that highlights the importance of water resource management and climate resilience in urban areas like Las Vegas. With its moderate risk assessment and effective flood risk reduction capabilities, this dam serves as a critical piece of infrastructure that helps safeguard the community and the environment from the potential impacts of flooding and water-related disasters.

Year Completed

2000

Dam Length

1300

Dam Height

7

River Or Stream

FLAMINGO WASH-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

14

Hydraulic Height

6

Drainage Area

2.6

Nid Storage

143

Structural Height

7

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

7
       
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.