Parker Canyon

PARKER CANYON CREEK· Cochise, Arizona· Built 1962· Earth· 80 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Parker Canyon is classified as high hazard in Arizona. It was completed in 1962 and is 64 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 80 ft (taller than 87.9% in AZ)
Dam Length600 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage4.4K acre-ft
Normal Storage3.7K acre-ft
Surface Area133 acres
Drainage Area9 sq mi
Max Discharge1,266 cfs
Year Completed1962 (64 years old)
NID IDAZ00014

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: November 26, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES

Ownership

ARIZONA GAME & FISH DEPARTMENT

State Government

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Parker Canyon?

Parker Canyon 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 Parker Canyon?

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

When was Parker Canyon built?

Parker Canyon was completed in 1962, making it 64 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 Parker Canyon?

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

How tall is Parker Canyon?

Parker Canyon has a dam height of 80 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 Parker Canyon last inspected?

Parker Canyon was last inspected on November 26, 2019. 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.