West Park Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

West Park, also known as Shaw Butte Detention Dam, is a crucial water resource infrastructure located in Maricopa, Arizona.


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Summary

Constructed in 1974, this earth dam stands at a height of 25 feet, with a hydraulic height of 25 feet and a structural height of 38 feet. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, serving as a vital protective measure for the surrounding area against potential flooding from the Cave Creek - TR river or stream.

Managed by the Arizona Department of Water Resources, West Park has a storage capacity of 187 acre-feet and a drainage area of 0.54 square miles. With a spillway width of 115 feet and a maximum discharge of 4980 cubic feet per second, the dam has a high hazard potential but is currently assessed to be in satisfactory condition. Regular inspections are conducted, with the last assessment taking place in March 2018.

Despite its moderate risk assessment, West Park plays a crucial role in safeguarding the city of Phoenix and its residents from potential flood events. With its strategic location and effective flood risk reduction measures, this dam stands as a testament to the proactive approach taken by the local government in ensuring water resource management and climate resilience in the region.

Year Completed

1974

Dam Length

1590

Dam Height

25

River Or Stream

CAVE CREEK - TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Hydraulic Height

25

Drainage Area

0.54

Nid Storage

187

Structural Height

38

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

38
       
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.