Lakes Detention Basin

Total cost: $2,131,725.20
Size: 143 acre-feet
Completed in 2000

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 Lakes Detention Basin will take approximately one day 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.

Project Overview
Watershed: Tropicana/Flamingo
System: Flamingo/Decatur
Entity: Clark County

143 acre-feet detention basin
It takes 22 hours to drain to 90%
Detention basin depth: 24.6'
Outlet invert elevation: 2571.4 ft.
100-year peak stage: 2,595
100-year peak inflow (CFS): 2,050
100-year peak outflow (CFS): 85

Embankment: none

Total Cost for the Lakes Detention Basin:
$2,131,725.20