Railroad Embankment Reservoir Report
Nearby: Seligman Canyon Mouth
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Located in Paulden, Arizona, the Railroad Embankment serves as a crucial structure for flood risk reduction along the Big Chino Wash.
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Summary
Built in 1929, this privately owned embankment stands at a height of 58 feet and stretches over 500 feet in length, providing protection for the surrounding area. With a normal storage capacity of 840 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 2980 cfs, it plays a vital role in managing water flow in the region.
Managed by the Arizona Department of Water Resources, the Railroad Embankment is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. With a low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, the embankment is considered to be in satisfactory condition, although it has not been formally rated. Despite its age, the embankment continues to play a critical role in mitigating flood risks and protecting the community, showcasing the importance of effective water resource management in the face of climate change challenges.
As a key component of flood risk reduction infrastructure, the Railroad Embankment stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to safeguard communities and water resources in Arizona. With its historical significance and continued operational relevance, this structure serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive planning, maintenance, and regulation in ensuring the resilience of water management systems in the face of evolving climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1929 |
Dam Length |
500 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
BIG CHINO WASH |
Primary Dam Type |
Other |
Surface Area |
98 |
Hydraulic Height |
26 |
Drainage Area |
130 |
Nid Storage |
1000 |
Structural Height |
58 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
58 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Railroad Embankment