Gowan Detention South Dam

Gowan Detention South Dam is an earth dam located in Clark County, Nevada. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.

About Gowan Detention South Dam

The primary purpose of Gowan Detention South 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 Las Vegas (local government). It impounds the Las Vegas Wash-tr near Las Vegas.

The dam stands 28 feet tall and stretches 100 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 10 acres, and has a maximum storage capacity of 1,492 acre-feet.

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 04/12/2022.

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/StreamLas Vegas Wash-tr
Coordinates36.21382, -115.25194

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height28 ft
Dam Height28 ft
Dam Length100 ft

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage1,492 acre-ft
Max Storage1,492 acre-ft
Surface Area10 acres
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeFlood Risk Reduction
OwnerCITY OF LAS VEGAS
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentFair
Last Inspection04/12/2022
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDNV10634
Federal IDNV10634
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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