Horseshoe
Key Takeaway
Horseshoe is classified as high hazard in Arizona. It was completed in 1945 and is 81 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. 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 | 202 ft (taller than 95.1% in AZ) |
| Dam Length | 1,994 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 214.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 131.4K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 3,656 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5,618 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 250,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1945 (81 years old) |
| NID ID | AZ10310 |
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
RECLAMATION
Federal Government
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Horseshoe?
Horseshoe 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 Horseshoe?
Horseshoe is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Horseshoe built?
Horseshoe was completed in 1945, making it 81 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 Horseshoe?
Horseshoe serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Horseshoe?
Horseshoe has a dam height of 202 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 Horseshoe last inspected?
Horseshoe was last inspected on August 18, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.