Summerlin Detention Basin #5 Dam
Summerlin Detention Basin #5 Dam is an earth dam located in Clark County, Nevada, built in 2002. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a poor condition assessment.
About Summerlin Detention Basin #5 Dam
The primary purpose of Summerlin Detention Basin #5 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 Howard Hughes Corporation (private). It impounds the Red Rock Wash-tr near Las Vegas.
The dam stands 39 feet tall and stretches 2,880 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 25 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 384 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 6 square miles. Completed in 2002, 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 poor, meaning the dam has recognized safety deficiencies that require remediation to address risks. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 02/25/2022.
At 39 feet, this dam is taller than 86% 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 | Clark |
| Nearest City | Las Vegas |
| River/Stream | Red Rock Wash-tr |
| Coordinates | 36.17440, -115.37290 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 39 ft |
| Dam Height | 37 ft |
| Dam Length | 2,880 ft |
| Year Completed | 2002 (24 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 485 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 384 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 485 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 25 acres |
| Drainage Area | 6 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 18,120 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | HOWARD HUGHES CORPORATION |
| Owner Type | Private |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Poor |
| Last Inspection | 02/25/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NV10499 |
| Federal ID | NV10499 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |