Lake Patagonia
Key Takeaway
Lake Patagonia is classified as high hazard in Arizona. It was completed in 1968 and is 58 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 | 82 ft (taller than 89.3% in AZ) |
| Dam Length | 970 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Normal Storage | 7.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 260 acres |
| Drainage Area | 235 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1968 (58 years old) |
| NID ID | AZ00029 |
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 STATE PARKS
State Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Patagonia?
Lake Patagonia 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 Lake Patagonia?
Lake Patagonia is owned by ARIZONA STATE PARKS (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Patagonia built?
Lake Patagonia was completed in 1968, making it 58 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 Lake Patagonia?
Lake Patagonia serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Lake Patagonia?
Lake Patagonia has a dam height of 82 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 Lake Patagonia last inspected?
Lake Patagonia was last inspected on February 18, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.