Johns, Apache County, Arizona, is a private and state-owned water resource managed by the Arizona Department of Water Resources. Built in 1929, this Earth dam stands at a height of 9 feet and has a storage capacity of 375 acre-feet, primarily serving as a Fish and Wildlife Pond. The reservoir spans 15 acres with a drainage area of 3.5 square miles, drawing water from Carnero Creek.
Despite its age, Tyler Reservoir has a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment level of 3. It features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 4 feet and has not been modified in recent years. The dam is inspected every 5 years, with the last assessment conducted in August 2020, although its condition is currently labeled as "Not Rated." While the reservoir is not under the jurisdiction of federal agencies, it plays a crucial role in fire protection, stock watering, and irrigation in the surrounding area.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Tyler Reservoir a fascinating example of early 20th-century engineering for managing water resources in a semi-arid region like Arizona. Its combination of ecological significance as a Fish and Wildlife Pond, practical functions in agriculture and fire prevention, and historical importance as a local water management infrastructure make it a valuable asset in the state's water supply network. The reservoir's unassuming presence belies its essential role in sustaining local ecosystems and supporting human activities in the region.
Year Completed |
1929 |
Dam Length |
142 |
Dam Height |
9 |
River Or Stream |
CARNERO CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
15 |
Hydraulic Height |
9 |
Drainage Area |
3.5 |
Nid Storage |
375 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
9 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Benny Creek Campground
|
||
Benny Creek
|
||
Rolfe C. Hoyer Campground
|
||
Rolfe C. Hoyer
|
||
South Fork Campground
|
||
Sunrise Lake
|