Scott Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Scott is a privately owned dam located in Navajo, Arizona, on Porter Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1945 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 38 feet high and spans 1050 feet in length, primarily serving irrigation purposes. Managed by the Arizona Department of Water Resources, Scott is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and functionality. With a storage capacity of 1740 acre-feet and a surface area of 84 acres, this dam plays a crucial role in providing water supply to the surrounding area.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment, Scott poses a significant hazard potential, with a moderate risk assessment rating. The spillway, equipped with an uncontrolled design and 450 feet wide, mitigates excess water flow. The dam's outlet gates are operated by slide (sluice gate) mechanisms, and it is inspected every three years to ensure its continued safety and functionality. While there have been no reported modifications in recent years, the dam's emergency action plan and risk management measures are not explicitly documented in the available data.

Situated in the Los Angeles District and under the jurisdiction of Tom O'Halleran (D), Scott represents a vital infrastructure for water resource management in the region. Its stone core and rock foundation contribute to its structural integrity, while its location in S13, T9S, R22E makes it a key element in the water supply and irrigation network of Jaques Dam & Show Low. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find Scott's historical significance, engineering features, and regulatory oversight fascinating aspects to explore further.

Year Completed

1945

Dam Length

1050

Dam Height

38

River Or Stream

PORTER CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

84

Hydraulic Height

38

Drainage Area

39

Nid Storage

1740

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate)

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

38
       
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.