Nelson

NUTRIOSO CREEK· Apache, Arizona· Built 1890· Earth· 34 ft tall
Low Hazard Irrigation Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Nelson is classified as low hazard in Arizona. It was completed in 1890 and is 136 years old. Its primary use is irrigation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 34 ft (taller than 61.6% in AZ)
Dam Length335 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage900 acre-ft
Normal Storage770 acre-ft
Surface Area101 acres
Drainage Area81 sq mi
Max Discharge2,200 cfs
Year Completed1890 (136 years old)
NID IDAZ00008

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

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

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: May 14, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES

Ownership

ARIZONA GAME & FISH DEPARTMENT

State Government

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Jarvis

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Scarlett Lake

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Town of Eagar Wwtp

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Hulsey Lake Dam

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St. Marys

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Nelson?

Nelson is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Nelson?

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

When was Nelson built?

Nelson was completed in 1890, making it 136 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 Nelson?

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

How tall is Nelson?

Nelson has a dam height of 34 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 Nelson last inspected?

Nelson was last inspected on May 14, 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.