Gowan Detention Middle Dam

LAS VEGAS WASH· Clark, Nevada· Built 1993· Concrete· 10 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Debris Control Local Government

Key Takeaway

Gowan Detention Middle Dam is classified as high hazard in Nevada. It was completed in 1993 and is 33 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 10 ft (taller than 9.7% in NV)
Dam Length1,800 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage330 acre-ft
Normal Storage0 acre-ft
Surface Area20 acres
Drainage Area36 sq mi
Max Discharge600 cfs
Year Completed1993 (33 years old)
NID IDNV10908

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: April 12, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NEVADA DWR

Ownership

CITY OF LAS VEGAS

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Gowan Detention Middle Dam?

Gowan Detention Middle 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 Gowan Detention Middle Dam?

Gowan Detention Middle Dam is owned by CITY OF LAS VEGAS (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Gowan Detention Middle Dam built?

Gowan Detention Middle Dam was completed in 1993, making it 33 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 Gowan Detention Middle Dam?

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

How tall is Gowan Detention Middle Dam?

Gowan Detention Middle Dam has a dam height of 10 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 Gowan Detention Middle Dam last inspected?

Gowan Detention Middle Dam was last inspected on April 12, 2022. 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.