Orchard Detention Basin Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Orchard Detention Basin Dam in Las Vegas, Nevada, is a crucial structure owned by the local government and regulated by the Nevada Department of Water Resources.


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Summary

This earth dam, designed by Parsons Brinkerhoff Group, serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Las Vegas Wash-OS. With a height of 30 feet and a hydraulic height of 24 feet, this dam has a storage capacity of 266 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 12,300 cubic feet per second.

The dam's spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 300 feet, and it features other controlled outlet gates for water management. Despite being assessed as having a fair condition, Orchard Detention Basin Dam has a high hazard potential due to its location and function. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last assessment completed in October 2021, to ensure the structure's integrity and safety. Overall, this dam plays a critical role in mitigating flood risks in the area, making it an essential component of the local water resource infrastructure for climate enthusiasts to appreciate and study.

Dam Length

1447

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

LAS VEGAS WASH-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Hydraulic Height

24

Drainage Area

3.2

Nid Storage

266

Structural Height

32

Outlet Gates

Other Controlled - 1

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

32
       
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.