Black Canyon
Key Takeaway
Black Canyon is classified as high hazard in Arizona. It was completed in 1964 and is 62 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond. 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 | 60 ft (taller than 82.7% in AZ) |
| Dam Length | 420 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.6K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 78 acres |
| Drainage Area | 6 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1964 (62 years old) |
| NID ID | AZ00042 |
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
ARIZONA GAME & FISH DEPARTMENT
State Government
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Black Canyon?
Black Canyon 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 Black Canyon?
Black Canyon is owned by ARIZONA GAME & FISH DEPARTMENT (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Black Canyon built?
Black Canyon 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 Black Canyon?
Black Canyon serves the following purposes: 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 Black Canyon?
Black Canyon has a dam height of 60 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 Black Canyon last inspected?
Black Canyon was last inspected on October 1, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.