River Reservoir #3
Key Takeaway
River Reservoir #3 is classified as high hazard in Arizona. It was completed in 1896 and is 130 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. 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 | 58 ft (taller than 82.1% in AZ) |
| Dam Length | 1,212 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 3.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 164 acres |
| Drainage Area | 34 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 24,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1896 (130 years old) |
| NID ID | AZ00007 |
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
PIONEER IRRIGATION COMPANY INC.
Private
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Low Hazard 10 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of River Reservoir #3?
River Reservoir #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 River Reservoir #3?
River Reservoir #3 is owned by PIONEER IRRIGATION COMPANY INC. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was River Reservoir #3 built?
River Reservoir #3 was completed in 1896, making it 130 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 River Reservoir #3?
River Reservoir #3 serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is River Reservoir #3?
River Reservoir #3 has a dam height of 58 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 River Reservoir #3 last inspected?
River Reservoir #3 was last inspected on September 28, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.