Sun Valley Detention Dam
Sun Valley Detention Dam is an earth dam located in Washoe County, Nevada. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Sun Valley Detention Dam
The primary purpose of Sun Valley Detention Dam is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by City Of Sparks (local government). It impounds the Sun Valley Creek near Sparks.
The dam stands 50 feet tall and stretches 610 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 14 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 290 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 11 square miles.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 05/17/2023.
At 50 feet, this dam is taller than 93% of dams nationwide.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Nevada dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Nevada |
| County | Washoe |
| Nearest City | Sparks |
| River/Stream | Sun Valley Creek |
| Coordinates | 39.56690, -119.77250 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 50 ft |
| Dam Height | 35 ft |
| Dam Length | 610 ft |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 290 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 290 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 290 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 14 acres |
| Drainage Area | 11 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 9,500 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | CITY OF SPARKS |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 05/17/2023 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NV00238 |
| Federal ID | NV00238 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |