Lower Duck Creek Detention Basin
Total cost: $16,546,957.81
Size ac-ft: 1,110
Completed in 1999

What is a detention basin?
Think of a home bathtub: the basin holds the water when the tub fills up. Once the bathtub plug is removed, the water slowly is released through the opening at the bottom of the tub.

A stormwater detention basin works a lot like a bathtub. It’s a flood control facility that collects stormwater, temporarily stores the water and releases it at lower, less damaging rates than it enters the basin. Once the basin is full, the Lower Duck Creek Detention Basin will take approximately two days to drain. 

Detention basins are large, excavated areas designed to remain empty except during storm events. In Clark County, detention basins generally range from 15 to 300 acres. These basins are one of several tools RFCD uses to mitigate downstream flooding.

What are the benefits of a detention basin?
In addition to slowing the fast-moving flood waters, the detention basin allows particles, trash, and pollutants to settle into the banks of the basin after the water subsides. Clark County Public Works personnel provide regular maintenance to clean the debris after flooding events.

What does this detention basin protect?
The Lower Duck Creek Detention Basin protects the homes and businesses of Silverado Ranch.

Project Overview
Watershed: Duck Creek/Blue Diamond
System: Lower Duck Creek/Blue Diamond
Entity: Clark County

1,110 acre-feet detention basin
It takes 37.5 hours to drain to 90%
Detention basin depth: 30.43'
Outlet invert elevation: 2,181.57
100-year peak stage: 22.43
100-year peak inflow (CFS): 6,729
100-year peak outflow (CFS): 3,666

Embankment: 7 Cycle Labyrinth
Spillway: 
Spillway crest elevation: 2,204
High Water Mark 

Total Cost for the Desert Inn Detention Basin Project: $16,546,957.81