Las Vegas Wash Upper Detention Basin Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Las Vegas Wash Upper Detention Basin Dam is a crucial structure designed by Black & Veatch to manage flood risk along the Las Vegas Wash in North Las Vegas, Nevada.


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Summary

Completed in 1993, this earth dam stands at a height of 55 feet and has a structural height of 71 feet, with a capacity to store up to 1760 acre-feet of water. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, serving as a vital infrastructure to protect the surrounding areas from potential inundation during heavy rainfall events.

Located in Clark County, Nevada, the Las Vegas Wash Upper Detention Basin Dam plays a significant role in the region's water resource management. With a drainage area of 516 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 180,750 cubic feet per second, this dam is equipped with uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates to regulate water flow. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2021 rated it as fair, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood control.

Overall, the Las Vegas Wash Upper Detention Basin Dam stands as a critical piece of infrastructure in safeguarding the community against flooding events along the Las Vegas Wash. With its strategic design and capacity to store excess water, this earth dam serves as a key asset in mitigating flood risks and protecting the surrounding areas from potential inundation, highlighting the importance of proactive water resource and climate management practices in the region.

Year Completed

1993

Dam Length

6594

Dam Height

55

River Or Stream

LAS VEGAS WASH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

165

Hydraulic Height

37

Drainage Area

516

Nid Storage

1760

Structural Height

71

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 1

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

71
       
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.