Mexican Hay Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mexican Hay Lake, located in Apache County, Arizona, is a private fish and wildlife pond with a primary purpose of supporting local wildlife.


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Summary

Built in 1908, the Earth dam stands at a height of 11 feet and spans a length of 250 feet, with a storage capacity of 821 acre-feet. The lake covers a surface area of 164 acres and is fed by the Joe Baca Draw - TR river or stream.

Managed by the Arizona Department of Water Resources, Mexican Hay Lake is subject to state regulations, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its safety and compliance. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, the lake serves as a recreational area for South Fork Campground visitors while also supporting irrigation needs in the surrounding area. Despite its age, the dam's condition is not currently rated, but it undergoes inspections every 5 years to ensure its structural integrity.

Enthusiasts of water resources and climate in the region will find Mexican Hay Lake to be a fascinating example of early 20th-century water management and conservation efforts. With its historical significance, diverse wildlife habitat, and critical role in local irrigation, Mexican Hay Lake is a valuable asset to the community and a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management in the region.

Year Completed

1908

Dam Length

250

Dam Height

11

River Or Stream

JOE BACA DRAW - TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

164

Drainage Area

7

Nid Storage

821

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

11
       
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.