Mccarran Airfield Detention Dam

LAS VEGAS WASH-TR· Clark, Nevada· Built 1989· Earth· 10 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Mccarran Airfield Detention Dam is classified as high hazard in Nevada. It was completed in 1989 and is 37 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 Length2,050 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage103 acre-ft
Normal Storage0 acre-ft
Surface Area21 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge78 cfs
Year Completed1989 (37 years old)
NID IDNV10145

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 26, 2024
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: NEVADA DWR

Ownership

CLARK COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF AVIATION

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Mccarran Airfield Detention Dam?

Mccarran Airfield Detention 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 Mccarran Airfield Detention Dam?

Mccarran Airfield Detention Dam is owned by CLARK COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF AVIATION (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Mccarran Airfield Detention Dam built?

Mccarran Airfield Detention Dam was completed in 1989, making it 37 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 Mccarran Airfield Detention Dam?

Mccarran Airfield Detention 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 Mccarran Airfield Detention Dam?

Mccarran Airfield Detention 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 Mccarran Airfield Detention Dam last inspected?

Mccarran Airfield Detention Dam was last inspected on February 26, 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.