Horsethief

HORSETHIEF CANYON· Yavapai, Arizona· Built 1934· Masonry· 38 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Fish And Wildlife Pond Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Horsethief is classified as high hazard in Arizona. It was completed in 1934 and is 92 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 38 ft (taller than 66.8% in AZ)
Dam Length205 ft
Dam TypeMasonry
Max Storage64 acre-ft
Normal Storage64 acre-ft
Surface Area5 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge10 cfs
Year Completed1934 (92 years old)
NID IDAZ10142

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: August 21, 2019
State Regulated: No

Ownership

USDA FS

Federal Government

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Horsethief?

Horsethief 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 Horsethief?

Horsethief is owned by USDA FS (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Horsethief built?

Horsethief was completed in 1934, making it 92 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 Horsethief?

Horsethief serves the following purposes: Recreation, Fish And Wildlife Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Horsethief?

Horsethief has a dam height of 38 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 Horsethief last inspected?

Horsethief was last inspected on August 21, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.