Central Detention Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Central Detention, located in Graham, Arizona, is a crucial flood risk reduction structure designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1948.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at 22 feet high and spans 1650 feet, holding a storage capacity of 1190 acre-feet along the Central Wash. Despite its vital purpose, the dam is marked with a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment, emphasizing the urgent need for maintenance and upgrades to ensure its effectiveness in mitigating flooding in the region.

Operated by the Arizona Department of Water Resources, Central Detention is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam's spillway, uncontrolled outlet gates, and unmanaged overflow raise concerns for its structural integrity and its ability to handle a maximum discharge of 2100 cubic feet per second. With its location in a high-risk area and the moderate risk assessment rating, it is essential for authorities and stakeholders to prioritize risk management measures and emergency preparedness to safeguard the surrounding community and environment.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts monitor Central Detention's condition and effectiveness in flood control, the collaboration between local government and private stakeholders becomes paramount in addressing the dam's maintenance needs and ensuring its long-term resilience. With the involvement of the Arizona Department of Water Resources and the USDA NRCS, there is an opportunity to implement sustainable solutions that enhance the dam's performance, reduce risks, and protect the Central Wash watershed for future generations.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

1650

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

CENTRAL WASH

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

62

Hydraulic Height

22

Drainage Area

6.17

Nid Storage

1190

Structural Height

32.5

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

33
       
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.