Alamo Dam
Key Takeaway
Alamo Dam is classified as high hazard in Arizona. It was completed in 1968 and is 58 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 283 ft (taller than 96.7% in AZ) |
| Dam Length | 975 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.4M acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 41,500 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4,770 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 41,500 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1968 (58 years old) |
| NID ID | AZ82203 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
USACE - Los Angeles District
Federal Government
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Alamo Dam?
Alamo Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Alamo Dam?
Alamo Dam is owned by USACE - Los Angeles District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Alamo Dam built?
Alamo Dam was completed in 1968, making it 58 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Alamo Dam?
Alamo Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Alamo Dam?
Alamo Dam has a dam height of 283 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Alamo Dam last inspected?
Alamo Dam was last inspected on July 16, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.