Cave Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cave Creek is a vital flood risk reduction infrastructure located in Maricopa County, Arizona, with a primary purpose of mitigating flood risks along the Cave Creek river or stream.


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Summary

Built in 1923, this multi-arch dam stands at a structural height of 120 feet and has a hydraulic height of 44 feet. With a storage capacity of 14,000 acre-feet and a surface area of 660 acres, Cave Creek plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding areas from potential flooding.

Managed by the Arizona Department of Water Resources, Cave Creek is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 400 feet, capable of handling a maximum discharge of 20,000 cubic feet per second. Despite being rated as having low hazard potential and a moderate risk level, Cave Creek has not been assessed for its condition and emergency action plan preparedness. It serves as an essential piece of infrastructure in the region, safeguarding the community from the impacts of flooding and ensuring water resource management in the area.

Located just 6 miles from Phoenix, Cave Creek stands as a testament to effective flood risk reduction efforts in the region. With its historical significance and ongoing maintenance and monitoring, this dam continues to play a crucial role in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Maricopa County. As a multi-arch dam with a long history of service, Cave Creek remains a key asset in protecting the surrounding areas from the potential risks posed by flooding events along the Cave Creek river or stream.

Year Completed

1923

Dam Length

1672

Dam Height

44

River Or Stream

CAVE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Multi-Arch

Surface Area

660

Hydraulic Height

44

Drainage Area

162

Nid Storage

14000

Structural Height

120

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

120
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.