Big Lake
Key Takeaway
Big Lake is classified as significant hazard in Arizona. It was completed in 1964 and is 62 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 24 ft (taller than 42.3% in AZ) |
| Dam Length | 485 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 10.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 9.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 518 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1964 (62 years old) |
| NID ID | AZ00061 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
ARIZONA GAME & FISH DEPARTMENT
State Government
Nearby Dams
Crescent Lake
Apache, AZ
Low Hazard 22 ftNorth Crescent Lake Dam
Apache, AZ
Significant Hazard 17 ftPool Corral
Apache, AZ
Low Hazard 12 ftHog Wallow
Apache, AZ
Low Hazard 7 ftReservation
Apache, AZ
High HazardLee Valley
Apache, AZ
Significant Hazard 20 ftAtchison
Apache, AZ
Low Hazard 8 ftDrift Fence
Apache, AZ
High HazardFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Big Lake?
Big Lake is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Big Lake?
Big Lake is owned by ARIZONA GAME & FISH DEPARTMENT (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Big Lake built?
Big Lake was completed in 1964, making it 62 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 Big Lake?
Big Lake serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Big Lake?
Big Lake has a dam height of 24 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 Big Lake last inspected?
Big Lake was last inspected on July 23, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.