Cave Buttes
Key Takeaway
Cave Buttes is classified as high hazard in Arizona. It was completed in 1980 and is 46 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 | 93 ft (taller than 90.2% in AZ) |
| Dam Length | 2,260 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 122.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,820 acres |
| Drainage Area | 191 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 100,600 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1980 (46 years old) |
| NID ID | AZ10007 |
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
FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT OF MARICOPA COUNTY
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Cave Creek
Maricopa, AZ
Low Hazard 44 ftReach 11 Detention Dike 1
Maricopa, AZ
High Hazard 35 ftPhoenix Detention Basin #7
Maricopa, AZ
High Hazard 23 ftAdobe
Maricopa, AZ
High Hazard 65 ftNorth Mountain Flood Detention #3
Maricopa, AZ
High Hazard 26 ftEast Park
Maricopa, AZ
High Hazard 26 ftWest Park
Maricopa, AZ
High Hazard 25 ftThunderbird Park Reservoir
Maricopa, AZ
High Hazard 44 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Cave Buttes?
Cave Buttes 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 Cave Buttes?
Cave Buttes is owned by FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT OF MARICOPA COUNTY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Cave Buttes built?
Cave Buttes was completed in 1980, making it 46 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 Cave Buttes?
Cave Buttes serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Cave Buttes?
Cave Buttes has a dam height of 93 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 Cave Buttes last inspected?
Cave Buttes was last inspected on March 1, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.