Willow Creek Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Willow Creek, located in Yavapai County, Arizona, is a vital water resource managed by the local government for irrigation, recreation, and water supply purposes.


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Summary

The dam, completed in 1936, stands at a height of 99 feet and has a storage capacity of 7,800 acre-feet. With a surface area of 460 acres and a drainage area of 25 square miles, Willow Creek plays a crucial role in water management in the region.

The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 188 feet, and it has a high hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition, last assessed in August 2017. The dam's maximum discharge capacity is 8,100 cubic feet per second, making it an important structure for flood control and water regulation in the area. The Arizona Department of Water Resources is responsible for regulating and inspecting the dam, ensuring its safe operation and maintenance for the community.

Overall, Willow Creek Dam serves as a key infrastructure for water management in the region, providing essential resources for irrigation, recreation, and water supply. With its historical significance dating back to the 1930s, the dam continues to play a crucial role in ensuring water security and environmental sustainability in Yavapai County, Arizona.

Year Completed

1936

Dam Length

297

Dam Height

65

River Or Stream

WILLOW CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Arch

Surface Area

460

Drainage Area

25

Nid Storage

7800

Structural Height

99

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

99
       
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.