Lower Goldwater Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lower Goldwater is a gravity dam located in Yavapai, Arizona, with a primary purpose of water supply.


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Summary

Completed in 1923, this dam on Bannon Creek has a height of 67 feet and a length of 508 feet, providing a storage capacity of 351 acre-feet. The dam is regulated by the Arizona Department of Water Resources and is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement, ensuring its safe operation and maintenance.

This multi-arch dam is considered to have a high hazard potential, but its condition was assessed as satisfactory as of August 2017. With a spillway width of 152 feet and a surface area of 16 acres, Lower Goldwater plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the Prescott area. Despite its age, the dam continues to meet guidelines for emergency action plans and risk assessment, with moderate risk management measures in place.

As a vital water infrastructure owned by the local government, Lower Goldwater serves as a key component of the region's water supply system. With its rock foundation and uncontrolled spillway, this historic dam remains a critical asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the sustainable management of water resources in Arizona.

Year Completed

1923

Dam Length

508

Dam Height

67

River Or Stream

BANNON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

16

Drainage Area

2.8

Nid Storage

351

Structural Height

73

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

73
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.