Mcmicken

TRILBY WASH· Maricopa, Arizona· Built 1956· Earth· 35 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Mcmicken is classified as high hazard in Arizona. It was completed in 1956 and is 70 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 35 ft (taller than 62.9% in AZ)
Dam Length46,200 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage23.8K acre-ft
Normal Storage0 acre-ft
Surface Area2,230 acres
Drainage Area247 sq mi
Max Discharge126,000 cfs
Year Completed1956 (70 years old)
NID IDAZ10003

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: February 2, 2021
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES

Ownership

FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT OF MARICOPA COUNTY

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Mcmicken?

Mcmicken 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 Mcmicken?

Mcmicken is owned by FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT OF MARICOPA COUNTY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Mcmicken built?

Mcmicken was completed in 1956, making it 70 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 Mcmicken?

Mcmicken serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Mcmicken?

Mcmicken has a dam height of 35 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 Mcmicken last inspected?

Mcmicken was last inspected on February 2, 2021. 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.