Spook Hill
Key Takeaway
Spook Hill is classified as high hazard in Arizona. It was completed in 1979 and is 47 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 | 15 ft (taller than 18.2% in AZ) |
| Dam Length | 21,120 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 4.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 305 acres |
| Drainage Area | 16 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 21,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1979 (47 years old) |
| NID ID | AZ00175 |
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
FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT OF MARICOPA COUNTY
Local Government
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High Hazard 207 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Spook Hill?
Spook Hill 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 Spook Hill?
Spook Hill is owned by FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT OF MARICOPA COUNTY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Spook Hill built?
Spook Hill was completed in 1979, making it 47 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 Spook Hill?
Spook Hill 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 Spook Hill?
Spook Hill has a dam height of 15 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 Spook Hill last inspected?
Spook Hill was last inspected on December 1, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.