
As the water surface elevation of Lake Mead has declined over the past several decades, the bottom of Lower Las Vegas Wash (Wash) has become increasingly exposed. Critical infrastructure upstream of the Wash include four grade control structures, the Northshore Road Bridge, and the Las Vegas Lake Dam. To mitigate ongoing erosion and protect these vital assets, the session speakers have developed and evaluated over 20 alternatives. This presentation will focus on the design considerations, permitting challenges, and environmental constraints associated with the recommended solution: the installation of two sheet pile walls (SPWs) upstream and downstream of one of the grade control structures that has recently been compromised. The selected design fits within the available budget and accomplishes the main purpose of protecting the existing grade control structure. The project presents unique challenges due to its location within a national park, necessitating careful coordination with the National Park Service to minimize environmental impacts, and within an active waterway, where traditional Best Management Practices (BMPs) are not applicable. This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of the encountered challenges, the proposed solutions, and the design considerations that support the ultimate goal of protecting critical upstream infrastructure.
6000 W Osceola Pkwy
Kissimmee, FL 34746
United States