Steel Dam, located in Coconino, Arizona, along the Johnson Canyon river, is a historic multi-arch dam completed in 1898 by the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway Company. Owned and regulated by the Forest Service, the dam serves as a vital water supply source for the area, with a storage capacity of 97 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 102 cubic feet per second. The dam stands at a height of 46 feet and spans 320 feet in length, constructed with roller-compacted concrete on a rock foundation.

With a primary purpose of water supply, Steel Dam also supports fish and wildlife ponds, recreation, and flood control in the region. The dam's spillway, 184 feet wide, is uncontrolled, and its hazard potential is rated as low. Despite not being currently rated for condition assessment, the dam undergoes inspections every 10 years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Its risk assessment is classified as moderate, with risk management measures in place to mitigate potential hazards.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Steel Dam offers a fascinating glimpse into historical dam engineering and its role in sustaining water supplies and ecosystems. The dam's presence along the Johnson Canyon river not only provides essential water storage but also creates recreational opportunities and supports local wildlife habitats. With its unique multi-arch design and roller-compacted concrete construction, Steel Dam stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of early dam builders in Arizona.