Crescent Lake dam
Crescent Lake
Crescent Lake, located in Apache County, Arizona, is a state-regulated reservoir with a primary purpose of recreation. The earth dam, completed in 1934, stands at a height of 22 feet and has a storage capacity of 5,800 acre-feet. The lake covers an area of 104 acres and is situated along the Black River, making it a picturesque destination for water resource and climate enthusiasts.
With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Crescent Lake offers a safe environment for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and camping. The dam's uncontrolled spillway adds to the natural beauty of the area, attracting visitors who appreciate the serene surroundings and diverse wildlife. Managed by the Arizona Department of Water Resources, the reservoir undergoes regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its safety and functionality for recreational use.
As a popular spot near Deer Creek Lodge, Crescent Lake provides a tranquil retreat for those seeking a peaceful getaway in the heart of Arizona's stunning landscape. Whether enjoying a leisurely day on the water or exploring the surrounding wilderness, visitors to Crescent Lake can immerse themselves in nature while appreciating the importance of responsible water resource management in sustaining this beautiful environment.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Crescent Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Filler Ditch At Greer | 1 cfs | → |
| Little Colorado River At Greer | 1 cfs | → |
| Nutrioso Cr. Ab. Nelson Res Nr Springerville | 0 cfs | → |
| East Fork White River Near Fort Apache | 8 cfs | → |
| Little Colorado R Abv Lyman Lake Nr St. Johns | · | → |
| Black River Blw Pumping Plant | 22 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Crescent Lake.
Campgrounds
Fishing spots
- Big Lake Dam Parking Fishing Site
- Crescent Lake Point Area Fishing Site
- Lee Valley Reservoir
- River Reservoir South Fishing Site
- Bunch Reservoir
- Hulsey Lake Fishing Site
Paddle runs
- Headwaters To Confluence With West Fork Black River
- State Highway 261 To 1/2 Mile Above Crosby Crossing
- 0.1 Miles Below Lower Fish Barrier To 1/2 Mile Above West Fork Dispersed Campground
- 1/2 Mile Above Crosby Crossing To 1/2 Mile Below Crosby Crossing
- Forest Boundary To 0.15 Miles Below Forest Road 116
- 1/2 Mile Below Crosby Crossing To Confluence With Boneyard Creek
Track Crescent Lake in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Crescent Lake
Where does the data for Crescent Lake come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Crescent Lake.