F-4 Detention Basin Dam

F-4 Detention Basin Dam is an earth dam located in Clark County, Nevada, built in 2005. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.

About F-4 Detention Basin Dam

The primary purpose of F-4 Detention Basin 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 Clark County Public Works (local government). It impounds the Tropicana Wash-tr near Las Vegas.

The dam stands 55 feet tall and stretches 1,572 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 4 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 21 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 5 square miles. Completed in 2005, the structure is relatively new.

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 04/11/2022.

At 55 feet, this dam is taller than 94% 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.

High HazardFair ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateNevada
CountyClark
Nearest CityLas Vegas
River/StreamTropicana Wash-tr
Coordinates36.04478, -115.29978

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height55 ft
Dam Height55 ft
Dam Length1,572 ft
Year Completed2005 (21 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage21 acre-ft
Max Storage21 acre-ft
Surface Area4 acres
Drainage Area5 sq mi
Max Discharge10,071 cfs
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeFlood Risk Reduction
OwnerCLARK COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentFair
Last Inspection04/11/2022
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDNV10625
Federal IDNV10625
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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