Roper Lake

STOCKTON WASH - OS· Graham, Arizona· Built 1961· Earth· 17 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Water Supply State Government

Key Takeaway

Roper Lake is classified as high hazard in Arizona. It was completed in 1961 and is 65 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 17 ft (taller than 22.8% in AZ)
Dam Length2,964 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Normal Storage313 acre-ft
Surface Area34 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge100 cfs
Year Completed1961 (65 years old)
NID IDAZ00091

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: January 14, 2021
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 Roper Lake?

Roper Lake 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 Roper Lake?

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

When was Roper Lake built?

Roper Lake was completed in 1961, making it 65 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 Roper Lake?

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

How tall is Roper Lake?

Roper Lake has a dam height of 17 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 Roper Lake last inspected?

Roper Lake was last inspected on January 14, 2021. 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.