Pioneer Detention Basin Dam dam
Pioneer Detention Basin Dam
Located in Henderson, Nevada, the Pioneer Detention Basin Dam is a vital flood risk reduction structure that plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. Constructed in 2002, this earth dam stands at a height of 41 feet and has a hydraulic height of 30 feet, with a length of 365 feet. It is designed to mitigate the impact of flooding along the Las Vegas Wash-TR, with a maximum discharge capacity of 35,150 cubic feet per second.
Managed by the Nevada Department of Water Resources, this dam is essential for safeguarding the surrounding area from potential hazards, as it has been classified as having a high hazard potential. Despite this, the dam is currently in fair condition, with regular inspections conducted to ensure its structural integrity. The Pioneer Detention Basin Dam serves as a testament to effective water resource management and climate adaptation strategies, highlighting the importance of infrastructure in protecting communities from natural disasters.
With its uncontrolled spillway and two outlet gates, the Pioneer Detention Basin Dam is equipped to handle significant water flow during periods of heavy rainfall. Its storage capacity of 562 acre-feet and surface area of 15.7 acres make it a key component of the flood control system in the region. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns, structures like the Pioneer Detention Basin Dam play a crucial role in mitigating the effects of extreme weather events and ensuring the safety of residents in Clark County, Nevada.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Pioneer Detention Basin Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Duck Ck At Broadbent Blvd At East Las Vegas | 9 cfs | → |
| Las Vegas Wash At Pabco Rd Nr Henderson | 369 cfs | → |
| Lv Wash Ab Three Kids Wash Blw Henderson | 347 cfs | → |
| Las Vegas Wash Overflow At Lake Las Vegas Inlet | · | → |
| Las Vegas Wash At Vegas Valley Dr Nr Las Vegas | 68 cfs | → |
| Lv Wash Blw Flamingo Wash Confl Nr Las Vegas | 212 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Pioneer Detention Basin Dam.
Track Pioneer Detention Basin Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Pioneer Detention Basin Dam
Where does the data for Pioneer Detention Basin Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Pioneer Detention Basin Dam.