Black Mountain Detention Basin Dam

LAS VEGAS WASH-TR· Clark, Nevada· Built 2000· Earth· 40 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Black Mountain Detention Basin Dam is classified as high hazard in Nevada. It was completed in 2000 and is 26 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 40 ft (taller than 73.6% in NV)
Dam Length1,262 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage395 acre-ft
Normal Storage0 acre-ft
Surface Area20 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Max Discharge21,900 cfs
Year Completed2000 (26 years old)
NID IDNV10550

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: February 27, 2024
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NEVADA DWR

Ownership

CITY OF HENDERSON

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Black Mountain Detention Basin Dam?

Black Mountain Detention Basin Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Black Mountain Detention Basin Dam?

Black Mountain Detention Basin Dam is owned by CITY OF HENDERSON (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Black Mountain Detention Basin Dam built?

Black Mountain Detention Basin Dam was completed in 2000, making it 26 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Black Mountain Detention Basin Dam?

Black Mountain Detention Basin Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Black Mountain Detention Basin Dam?

Black Mountain Detention Basin Dam has a dam height of 40 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Black Mountain Detention Basin Dam last inspected?

Black Mountain Detention Basin Dam was last inspected on February 27, 2024. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.