Sunrise Mountain Landfill Detention Basin Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sunrise Mountain Landfill Detention Basin Dam, located in Las Vegas, Nevada, is a privately owned structure designed by Golder Associates Inc to reduce flood risk in the area.


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Summary

Completed in 2012, this earth-type dam stands at 36 feet tall with a hydraulic height of 26 feet and a structural height of 42 feet. With a length of 990 feet and a storage capacity of 416 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding areas from potential flooding events.

The dam is built on a foundation of rock and serves as a vital infrastructure along the Las Vegas Wash-TR river. It features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 150 feet and an outlet gate configuration of 1. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2020 rated it as fair. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last one taking place in December 2020 to ensure the dam's continued functionality in mitigating flood risks in the region.

The Sunrise Mountain Landfill Detention Basin Dam is an essential component of flood risk reduction efforts in Clark County, Nevada. With a moderate risk assessment rating and a history of meeting regulatory standards set by the Nevada Department of Water Resources, this dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate adaptation strategies in the region. As climate change continues to impact water availability and precipitation patterns, structures like this dam play a crucial role in safeguarding communities and infrastructure against the threat of flooding.

Year Completed

2012

Dam Length

990

Dam Height

36

River Or Stream

LAS VEGAS WASH-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

15.5

Hydraulic Height

26

Drainage Area

1.2

Nid Storage

416

Structural Height

42

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 1

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

42
       
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.