Las Vegas Wash Upper Detention Basin Dam
Key Takeaway
Las Vegas Wash Upper Detention Basin 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 | 55 ft (taller than 83.5% in NV) |
| Dam Length | 6,594 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 165 acres |
| Drainage Area | 516 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 180,750 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1993 (33 years old) |
| NID ID | NV10163 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
CITY OF NORTH LAS VEGAS
Local Government
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High Hazard 28 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Las Vegas Wash Upper Detention Basin Dam?
Las Vegas Wash Upper 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 Las Vegas Wash Upper Detention Basin Dam?
Las Vegas Wash Upper Detention Basin Dam is owned by CITY OF NORTH LAS VEGAS (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Las Vegas Wash Upper Detention Basin Dam built?
Las Vegas Wash Upper Detention Basin 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 Las Vegas Wash Upper Detention Basin Dam?
Las Vegas Wash Upper 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 Las Vegas Wash Upper Detention Basin Dam?
Las Vegas Wash Upper Detention Basin Dam has a dam height of 55 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 Las Vegas Wash Upper Detention Basin Dam last inspected?
Las Vegas Wash Upper Detention Basin Dam was last inspected on April 29, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.