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A brief hydrologic appraisal of the July 3-4, 1975, flash flood in Las Vegas Valley, Nevada

Open-File Report 76-100
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr76100

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Abstract

Heavy thunderstorm precipitation on the afternoon of July 3, 1975, between metropolitan Las Vegas and the mountains to the south, west, and north, caused flash flooding in the city area. Total storm precipitation equaled or exceeded 3 inches (76 mm) in some areas. The total storm yield on the area of significant runoff was probably between 20,000 and 25,000 acre-feet (2.5 x 107 m3 and 3.1 x 107 m3) of water. Of this amount, probably less than 3,000 acre-feet (37 x 106 m3) flowed directly to Lake Mead. Peak flows of Tropicana Wash, Flamingo Wash, Las Vegas Creek, and Las Vegas Wash were the highest ever determined. Flooding caused the loss of two lives and inflicted extensive property damage. Total damage was reportedly estimated by the Clark County Flood Control District at $4-5 million. Problems associated with sediment erosion, transportation, and deposition occurred throughout the flooded area. An unknown amount of the material transported during the flood was deposited in Lake Mead near the mouth of Las Vegas Wash. Lateral erosion appeared more prominent than vertical erosion along most major channels, except on Las Vegas Wash at Northshore Road where downcutting threatened the loss of the highway. Sediment deposits were particularly noticeable and troublesome in Flamingo Wash at Caesars Palace parking lot and on the Winterwood Golf Course near the junction of Flamingo Wash and Las Vegas Wash.

Suggested Citation

Katzer, T.L., Glancy, P.A., Harmsen, L., 1976, A brief hydrologic appraisal of the July 3-4, 1975, flash flood in Las Vegas Valley, Nevada: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 76-100, v, 40 p. :ill., maps ;27 cm.; (47 p., 1 sheet, scales 1:24,000 and 1:62,500 - PGS), https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr76100.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title A brief hydrologic appraisal of the July 3-4, 1975, flash flood in Las Vegas Valley, Nevada
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 76-100
DOI 10.3133/ofr76100
Year Published 1976
Language ENGLISH
Publisher Clark County Flood Control Division, Dept. of Public Works,
Description v, 40 p. :ill., maps ;27 cm.; (47 p., 1 sheet, scales 1:24,000 and 1:62,500 - PGS)
Scale 24000
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