F-4 Detention Basin Dam dam
F-4 Detention Basin Dam
F-4 Detention Basin Dam, located in Las Vegas, Nevada, serves as a crucial flood risk reduction structure along the Tropicana Wash-TR river system. Constructed in 2005 by the USA Corps of Engineers, this earth dam stands at a height of 55 feet with a hydraulic height of 31 feet. With a length of 1572 feet and a storage capacity of 21 acre-feet, the dam plays a vital role in mitigating the potential hazards posed by high-risk flood events in the region.
The dam's spillway, measuring 59 feet in width, is classified as uncontrolled, allowing for the safe discharge of water during peak flow periods. Despite being rated with a high hazard potential, the dam is currently assessed to be in fair condition. Regular inspections, the most recent of which took place in May 2021, help ensure the structure's integrity and functionality. The dam's emergency action plan is in place, although it last underwent revision in 2017. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the F-4 Detention Basin Dam remains a critical asset in safeguarding the local community from the impacts of flooding.
Overall, the F-4 Detention Basin Dam stands as a testament to effective flood risk management in the face of climatic challenges. Its strategic location, design, and operational capabilities highlight the importance of proactive water resource management in mitigating the potential impacts of extreme weather events. As climate change continues to pose threats to water resources, structures like the F-4 Detention Basin Dam play a crucial role in enhancing resilience and protecting communities from the adverse effects of flooding.
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 F-4 Detention Basin Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Flamingo Wash At Nellis Blvd Nr Las Vegas | 4 cfs | → |
| Las Vegas Wash Nr Sahara Ave Nr Las Vegas | 2 cfs | → |
| Lv Wash Blw Flamingo Wash Confl Nr Las Vegas | 212 cfs | → |
| Duck Ck At Broadbent Blvd At East Las Vegas | 9 cfs | → |
| Las Vegas Wash At Vegas Valley Dr Nr Las Vegas | 68 cfs | → |
| Sloan Channel At Charleston Blvd Nr Las Vegas | 1 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near F-4 Detention Basin Dam.
Boat launches
Track F-4 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 F-4 Detention Basin Dam
Where does the data for F-4 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 F-4 Detention Basin Dam.