Las Vegas Wash Coordination Committee : What is "the Wash"?

2 to 24 Million Years Ago >>

Since the creation of the Wash millions of years ago, it has undergone many hydrological, geological and biological changes with the most dramatic changes occurring over the last century. Follow the history of the Wash from the time it was an intermittent channel that carried seasonal flows from the Las Vegas Valley, to it present state as a lush wetland area that now carries as much water as a small river. You will see the effects that modern population growth and floodwaters have had on the Wash and the efforts of the Las Vegas Wash Coordination Committee to restore and enhance this unique environment.

To learn more about people and the wash, visit Our History.

2 to 24 Million Years Ago	Geologic record indicates Wash floodplain development
Early 1900s	Modern settlers make Las Vegas home resulting in increased water flows into the Wash
1950s	Early 1950s Population growth continues The first wastewater treatment facilities were built Increased water flowing in the Wash creates extensive wetland environment 1957 Modern techniques accurately determine the flow of water in the Wash Flood event causes initial headcutting in the Wash channel
1960s	Increased water flows in the Wash accelerate erosional processes Wetlands decline Community comes together to discuss issues
1970s	1970 Las Vegas drinking water pipeline constructed across the Wash Early 1970s Increasing water flows and flood events cause 5,000 feet of upstream headcutting 1973 Sewage and wastewater advisory committee is organized Clark County Water Reclamation District (formerly Clark County Sanitation District) constructs new wastewater treatment plant Las Vegas Wash development advisory committee is organized to discuss wetland degradation issues 1977 - 1978 Section 208 water quality management plan issued 1978 Northshore road culverts replaced by Northshore bridge 1979 Water Quality Study Board & Las Vegas Valley Water Quality Program formed
1980s	Early 1980s Headcutting advances 9,000 feet upstream 1982 Clark County board approves master planning efforts for the Wash Clark County Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant constructed 1984 Flood events erode more sediment from the Wash Temporary erosion control structure built to protect drinking water pipeline 1985 Clark County Regional Flood Control District created 1986 Temporary erosion control structure is maintained Clark County establishes task force to address erosion in Wash 1988-1989 Integrated & Comprehensive Management Program developed
1990s	Early 1990s Lake Las Vegas constructed 1991-1993 Clark County begins planning for Wetlands Park 1993 Clark County begins planning for Pabco Road erosion control structure 1994 City of Henderson Water Reclamation Facility built 1995 Clark County Wetlands Park Master Plan finalized 1996 Ownership transfer of erosion control structure Friends of the Desert Wetlands Park established 1997 Dam under Northshore bridge built and failed Lake Mead Water Quality Forum and Water Quality Citizens Advisory Committee established 1998 Las Vegas Wash Coordination Committee established Emergency repairs to temporary erosion control structure 1998-1999 Three severe flood events scour sediments from the Wash 1999 Construction of two erosion control structures delayed by flood Educational Outreach begins with Mable Hoggard Elementary School Late 1999 100-year flood event Temporary Demonstration grade control structure completed
2000	2000 Las Vegas Wash Comprehensive Adaptive Management Plan completed, implementation underway Bird Survey begins Four grade control structures have been completed 2001 Reptile survey begins Ongoing bird and vegetation monitoring 2002 Six grade control structures completed Fish survey begins 2003 Over 42 acres of land have been revegetated Seven grade control structures have been built 0.8 miles of bank stabilization have been put in place 2004 Around 57 acres of land have been revegetated About four miles of bank protection have been implemented Eight grade control structures have been completed Bat and amphibian surveys begin Reptile and fish surveys completed Bird census completed Archaeology sites inventoried and cataloged Ongoing water quality in wash and tributaries Continued educational outreach and community outreach events The Wash experienced a strong storm event

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Wash Chronology
	Chronology Index
	2 to 24 Million Years Ago
	Early 1900’s
	1950’s
	1960’s
	1970’s
	1980’s
	1990’s
	2000

More Info... Wash History
	History

2 to 24 Million Years Ago >>