Whitlow Ranch Dam
Key Takeaway
Whitlow Ranch Dam is classified as high hazard in Arizona. It was completed in 1959 and is 67 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 | 149 ft (taller than 92.5% in AZ) |
| Dam Length | 837 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 64.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1 acres |
| Drainage Area | 143 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 147,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1959 (67 years old) |
| NID ID | AZ10004 |
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
USACE - Los Angeles District
Federal Government
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Whitlow Ranch Dam?
Whitlow Ranch Dam 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 Whitlow Ranch Dam?
Whitlow Ranch Dam is owned by USACE - Los Angeles District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Whitlow Ranch Dam built?
Whitlow Ranch Dam was completed in 1959, making it 67 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 Whitlow Ranch Dam?
Whitlow Ranch Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Whitlow Ranch Dam?
Whitlow Ranch Dam has a dam height of 149 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 Whitlow Ranch Dam last inspected?
Whitlow Ranch Dam was last inspected on March 22, 2023. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.