Fountain Lake
Key Takeaway
Fountain Lake is classified as high hazard in Arizona. It was completed in 1970 and is 56 years old. Its primary use is other. 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 | 31 ft (taller than 55.7% in AZ) |
| Dam Length | 1,470 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 500 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 310 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 32 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,500 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1970 (56 years old) |
| NID ID | AZ00073 |
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
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
Local Government
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High Hazard 15 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Fountain Lake?
Fountain Lake 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 Fountain Lake?
Fountain Lake is owned by TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Fountain Lake built?
Fountain Lake was completed in 1970, making it 56 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 Fountain Lake?
Fountain Lake serves the following purposes: Other, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Fountain Lake?
Fountain Lake has a dam height of 31 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 Fountain Lake last inspected?
Fountain Lake was last inspected on December 29, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.