Upper Goldwater
Key Takeaway
Upper Goldwater is classified as high hazard in Arizona. It was completed in 1932 and is 94 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 | 52 ft (taller than 80.8% in AZ) |
| Dam Length | 383 ft |
| Dam Type | Buttress |
| Max Storage | 700 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 525 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 23 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 8,334 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1932 (94 years old) |
| NID ID | AZ00153 |
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
CITY OF PRESCOTT
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Lower Goldwater
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High Hazard 70 ftHassayampa Check
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Low Hazard 40 ftGranite Creek
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High Hazard 81 ftWillow Creek
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High Hazard 65 ftLynx Creek
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Low Hazard 52 ftMesa Reservoir
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Low Hazard 35 ftGranite Basin
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High Hazard 27 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Upper Goldwater?
Upper Goldwater 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 Upper Goldwater?
Upper Goldwater is owned by CITY OF PRESCOTT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Upper Goldwater built?
Upper Goldwater was completed in 1932, making it 94 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 Upper Goldwater?
Upper Goldwater 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 Upper Goldwater?
Upper Goldwater has a dam height of 52 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 Upper Goldwater last inspected?
Upper Goldwater was last inspected on July 9, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.