Lower Rose Canyon Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lower Rose Canyon, located in Pima County, Arizona, is a state-regulated dam under the jurisdiction of the Arizona Department of Water Resources.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1958, this gravity dam stands at a height of 41 feet and serves primarily as a Fish and Wildlife Pond. With a storage capacity of 145 acre-feet and a surface area of 7.3 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in fire protection, stock watering, and recreational activities in the area.

The dam's spillway, with a width of 34 feet, is uncontrolled, and it has a low hazard potential with a moderate risk assessment rating. Despite not being rated for its condition, the dam is inspected every five years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The surrounding Sycamore Creek provides water to the dam, which has a drainage area of 0.78 square miles and a maximum discharge of 728 cubic feet per second.

Lower Rose Canyon Dam offers a picturesque setting for water resource and climate enthusiasts to appreciate the intersection of human engineering with natural ecosystems. Its importance in supporting local wildlife habitats and recreational opportunities underscores the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure its long-term viability in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

188

Dam Height

41

River Or Stream

SYCAMORE CREEK - TR

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

7.3

Hydraulic Height

41

Drainage Area

0.78

Nid Storage

145

Structural Height

45

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

45
       
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.