Lower Las Vegas Wash Flow Regulation

Lake Mead National Recreation Area » Lower Las Vegas Wash Flow Regulation » Document List

The National Park Service is seeking public comment on a proposal to regulate flows in the lower end of Las Vegas Wash in order to reduce erosion that threatens the bridge over the Wash on Northshore Road. The proposal is in response to a study completed by the Federal Highway Administration, suggesting that active management of the channel and additional grade control structures are needed to protect the bridge and maintain access across the Wash to the northern portions of Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Las Vegas Wash was once an ephemeral drainage, but beginning in the late 1960s it transitioned into a perennial stream as a result of the development of the Las Vegas Valley and increased effluent discharge into the Wash. Greater flows have resulted in channelization of the Wash and increased erosion. In 2002, the National Park Service constructed three grade control structures in response to this erosion, but with the drawdown of Lake Mead over the last several years, additional downstream structures are needed to combat the problem.

An environmental assessment is being prepared to analyze the effects of alternative methods of completing the project. Comments and recommendations regarding the scope of the environmental assessment, the issues it should cover, the alternatives to consider, and other resource concerns will be accepted through May 30, 2012. They may be submitted by U.S. Mail to Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Compliance Office, 601 Nevada Way, Boulder City, NV 89005 or via the internet at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/.


Contact Information

Michael Boyles
Environmental Compliance Specialist
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Phone 702-293-8978