Stockton Wash Retarding Reservoir Report
Nearby: No Name Wash Graveyard Wash
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Stockton Wash Retarding, located in Safford, Arizona, is a crucial structure designed by the USDA NRCS to manage flood risks along the Stockton Wash.
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Summary
Completed in 1964, this earth dam stands at a height of 32.6 feet and spans a length of 4013 feet, with a storage capacity of 12,400 acre-feet. Despite its important role in flood risk reduction, the dam is currently assessed to be in poor condition, with a high hazard potential.
Managed by the Arizona Department of Water Resources, Stockton Wash Retarding is subject to state regulations, permitting, inspections, and enforcement to ensure its safety and effectiveness. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, and it features uncontrolled outlet gates, with a maximum discharge capacity of 17,250 cubic feet per second. The structure's location in Graham County underscores its significance in protecting the surrounding area from potential inundation, although its condition assessment warrants attention and potential risk management measures to enhance its resilience.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Stockton Wash Retarding serves as a notable example of infrastructure designed to mitigate flood risks in an environmentally sensitive region. With its critical role in safeguarding against potential hazards, the dam's current condition and risk assessment highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued functionality for the community of Safford and beyond. As efforts are made to address the dam's poor condition and mitigate potential risks, Stockton Wash Retarding remains a key asset in the broader landscape of water resource management and climate resilience in Arizona.
Year Completed |
1964 |
Dam Length |
4013 |
Dam Height |
32.6 |
River Or Stream |
STOCKTON WASH |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
558 |
Hydraulic Height |
32.6 |
Drainage Area |
153.3 |
Nid Storage |
12400 |
Structural Height |
48 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
48 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Roper Lake State Park
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Hackel Road Dispersed
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Upper Arcadia Group Site
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Stockton Wash Retarding