Pena Blanca Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pena Blanca, located in Santa Cruz, Arizona, is a state-regulated dam managed by the Arizona Department of Water Resources.


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Summary

Built in 1958, this rockfill dam stands at a height of 60 feet and serves primarily as a fish and wildlife pond, with additional purposes including recreation. The dam has a storage capacity of 1,240 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 45 acres, drawing water from the Pena Blanca Creek.

Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, Pena Blanca is currently in fair condition as of its last assessment in March 2018. With a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam undergoes inspections regularly, with the most recent one conducted in March 2021. While no emergency action plan (EAP) information is provided, the dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 40 feet to manage potential excess water discharge.

Pena Blanca's presence not only supports local wildlife and recreational activities but also plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region. As an essential part of the state's infrastructure, the dam's maintenance, inspections, and regulatory oversight ensure the safety and sustainability of its operations for the benefit of both the environment and the community.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

235

Dam Height

60

River Or Stream

PENA BLANCA CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

45

Hydraulic Height

77.5

Drainage Area

14

Nid Storage

1240

Structural Height

77.5

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

78
       
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.