Black Canyon Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Black Canyon, located in Navajo County, Arizona, is a state-regulated earth dam constructed in 1964 for the primary purpose of creating a Fish and Wildlife Pond.


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Summary

With a height of 60 feet and a length of 420 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 1,900 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 78 acres. It is situated on the West Fork of Black Canyon Creek, with the nearest city being Heber & Overgaard.

Despite its scenic beauty and recreational potential, Black Canyon Dam is currently assessed as being in poor condition with a high hazard potential. The dam's last inspection in October 2020 revealed the need for improvements to ensure its safety and longevity. The Arizona Department of Water Resources is the state regulatory agency responsible for overseeing the dam's operation, inspection, and enforcement.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in Black Canyon can appreciate its role in providing habitat for fish and wildlife, as well as opportunities for recreational activities. However, there is a pressing need for ongoing maintenance and risk management measures to ensure the safety of the dam and surrounding areas. The dam's moderate risk assessment highlights the importance of addressing its structural deficiencies and implementing emergency preparedness protocols to mitigate potential hazards.

Year Completed

1964

Dam Length

420

Dam Height

60

River Or Stream

WEST FORK, BLACK CANYON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

78

Hydraulic Height

60

Drainage Area

5.85

Nid Storage

1900

Structural Height

72

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

72
       
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.