North Mountain Flood Detention #3

CAVE CREEK - TR· Maricopa, Arizona· Built 1975· Earth· 26 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

North Mountain Flood Detention #3 is classified as high hazard in Arizona. It was completed in 1975 and is 51 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 26 ft (taller than 45.6% in AZ)
Dam Length1,040 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage136 acre-ft
Normal Storage0 acre-ft
Surface Area7 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge4,120 cfs
Year Completed1975 (51 years old)
NID IDAZ00172

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 25, 2020
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES

Ownership

CITY OF PHOENIX, STREET TRANSPORTATION DEPT.

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of North Mountain Flood Detention #3?

North Mountain Flood Detention #3 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 North Mountain Flood Detention #3?

North Mountain Flood Detention #3 is owned by CITY OF PHOENIX, STREET TRANSPORTATION DEPT. (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was North Mountain Flood Detention #3 built?

North Mountain Flood Detention #3 was completed in 1975, making it 51 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 North Mountain Flood Detention #3?

North Mountain Flood Detention #3 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 North Mountain Flood Detention #3?

North Mountain Flood Detention #3 has a dam height of 26 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 North Mountain Flood Detention #3 last inspected?

North Mountain Flood Detention #3 was last inspected on February 25, 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.