South Well Detention Dam

SAN SIMON RIVER· Graham, Arizona· Built 1981· Gravity·
Low Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Federal Government

Key Takeaway

South Well Detention Dam is classified as low hazard in Arizona. It was completed in 1981 and is 45 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction.

Physical Details

Dam Length1,062 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage335 acre-ft
Normal Storage168 acre-ft
Surface Area17 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge250 cfs
Year Completed1981 (45 years old)
NID IDAZ20029

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: July 7, 2015
State Regulated: No

Ownership

DOI BLM

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of South Well Detention Dam?

South Well Detention Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates South Well Detention Dam?

South Well Detention Dam is owned by DOI BLM (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was South Well Detention Dam built?

South Well Detention Dam was completed in 1981, making it 45 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 South Well Detention Dam?

South Well Detention 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.

When was South Well Detention Dam last inspected?

South Well Detention Dam was last inspected on July 7, 2015. 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.