Painted Rock Dam
Key Takeaway
Painted Rock Dam is classified as high hazard in Arizona. It was completed in 1960 and is 66 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 | 181 ft (taller than 93.8% in AZ) |
| Dam Length | 4,780 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 4.8M acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1 acres |
| Drainage Area | 50,800 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 401,700 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1960 (66 years old) |
| NID ID | AZ10002 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
USACE - Los Angeles District
Federal Government
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Painted Rock Dam?
Painted Rock Dam 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 Painted Rock Dam?
Painted Rock Dam is owned by USACE - Los Angeles District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Painted Rock Dam built?
Painted Rock Dam was completed in 1960, making it 66 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 Painted Rock Dam?
Painted Rock Dam 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 Painted Rock Dam?
Painted Rock Dam has a dam height of 181 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 Painted Rock Dam last inspected?
Painted Rock Dam was last inspected on May 28, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.