Phoenix Detention Basin #7

CAVE CREEK - TR· Maricopa, Arizona· Built 1978· Earth· 23 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Phoenix Detention Basin #7 is classified as high hazard in Arizona. It was completed in 1978 and is 48 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 23 ft (taller than 40.4% in AZ)
Dam Length1,050 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage272 acre-ft
Normal Storage0 acre-ft
Surface Area18 acres
Drainage Area1 sq mi
Max Discharge5,600 cfs
Year Completed1978 (48 years old)
NID IDAZ00176

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 Phoenix Detention Basin #7?

Phoenix Detention Basin #7 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 Phoenix Detention Basin #7?

Phoenix Detention Basin #7 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 Phoenix Detention Basin #7 built?

Phoenix Detention Basin #7 was completed in 1978, making it 48 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 Phoenix Detention Basin #7?

Phoenix Detention Basin #7 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 Phoenix Detention Basin #7?

Phoenix Detention Basin #7 has a dam height of 23 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 Phoenix Detention Basin #7 last inspected?

Phoenix Detention Basin #7 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.