Lee Valley

RUDD CREEK - TR· Apache, Arizona· Built 1899· Earth· 20 ft tall
Significant Hazard Irrigation State Government

Key Takeaway

Lee Valley is classified as significant hazard in Arizona. It was completed in 1899 and is 127 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 20 ft (taller than 30.6% in AZ)
Dam Length440 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage640 acre-ft
Normal Storage420 acre-ft
Surface Area45 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Max Discharge600 cfs
Year Completed1899 (127 years old)
NID IDAZ00033

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: July 23, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES

Ownership

ARIZONA GAME & FISH DEPARTMENT

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lee Valley?

Lee Valley is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Lee Valley?

Lee Valley is owned by ARIZONA GAME & FISH DEPARTMENT (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lee Valley built?

Lee Valley was completed in 1899, making it 127 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 Lee Valley?

Lee Valley serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Lee Valley?

Lee Valley has a dam height of 20 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 Lee Valley last inspected?

Lee Valley was last inspected on July 23, 2020. 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.