River Mountains Impoundment Dam
River Mountains Impoundment Dam is an earth dam located in Clark County, Nevada, built in 2003. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About River Mountains Impoundment Dam
The primary purpose of River Mountains Impoundment Dam is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by Southern Nevada Water Authority (local government). It impounds the Las Vegas Wash-tr near Las Vegas.
The dam stands 19 feet tall and stretches 1,200 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 13 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 51 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 2003, 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 02/26/2024.
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 | Las Vegas Wash-tr |
| Coordinates | 36.02456, -114.92865 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 19 ft |
| Dam Height | 19 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,200 ft |
| Year Completed | 2003 (23 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 51 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 51 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 13 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,656 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Water Supply |
| Owner | SOUTHERN NEVADA WATER AUTHORITY |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 02/26/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NV10516 |
| Federal ID | NV10516 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |