Lower Goldwater

BANNON CREEK· Yavapai, Arizona· Built 1923· Gravity· 67 ft tall
High Hazard Water Supply Local Government

Key Takeaway

Lower Goldwater is classified as high hazard in Arizona. It was completed in 1923 and is 103 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 67 ft (taller than 86% in AZ)
Dam Length508 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage351 acre-ft
Normal Storage271 acre-ft
Surface Area16 acres
Drainage Area3 sq mi
Year Completed1923 (103 years old)
NID IDAZ00005

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: July 9, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES

Ownership

CITY OF PRESCOTT

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Upper Goldwater

Yavapai, AZ

High Hazard 52 ft

Lynx Lake

Yavapai, AZ

High Hazard 70 ft

Hassayampa Check

Yavapai, AZ

Low Hazard 40 ft

Granite Creek

Yavapai, AZ

High Hazard 81 ft

Willow Creek

Yavapai, AZ

High Hazard 65 ft

Lynx Creek

Yavapai, AZ

Low Hazard 52 ft

Mesa Reservoir

Yavapai, AZ

Low Hazard 35 ft

Granite Basin

Yavapai, AZ

High Hazard 27 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lower Goldwater?

Lower Goldwater 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 Lower Goldwater?

Lower Goldwater is owned by CITY OF PRESCOTT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lower Goldwater built?

Lower Goldwater was completed in 1923, making it 103 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 Lower Goldwater?

Lower Goldwater serves the following purposes: Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Lower Goldwater?

Lower Goldwater has a dam height of 67 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 Lower Goldwater last inspected?

Lower Goldwater was last inspected on July 9, 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.