Gowan Detention Middle Dam
Gowan Detention Middle Dam is a concrete dam located in Clark County, Nevada, built in 1993. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a fair condition assessment.
About Gowan Detention Middle Dam
The primary purpose of Gowan Detention Middle 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 near Las Vegas.
The dam stands 10 feet tall and stretches 1,800 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 20 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 330 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 36 square miles. Completed in 1993, the structure is 33 years old.
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.
Location
| State | Nevada |
| County | Clark |
| Nearest City | Las Vegas |
| River/Stream | Las Vegas Wash |
| Coordinates | 36.22280, -115.25220 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| NID Height | 10 ft |
| Dam Height | 10 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,800 ft |
| Year Completed | 1993 (33 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 330 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 330 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 20 acres |
| Drainage Area | 36 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 600 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | CITY OF LAS VEGAS |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Fair |
| Last Inspection | 04/12/2022 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | NV10908 |
| Federal ID | NV10908 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |