Upper Goldwater Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Upper Goldwater is a dam located in Yavapai County, Arizona, specifically in the city of Prescott.


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Summary

Built in 1932, this buttress-type dam serves the primary purposes of recreation and water supply along the Bannon Creek. With a height of 52 feet and a storage capacity of 700 acre-feet, Upper Goldwater has a significant impact on the surrounding area, providing essential water resources for both human consumption and recreational activities.

Managed by the Arizona Department of Water Resources, Upper Goldwater is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its structural integrity and compliance with safety standards. The dam has a moderate risk assessment rating, with a satisfactory condition assessment as of September 2017. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's risk management measures are in place to mitigate any potential emergencies and ensure the safety of the surrounding community.

The dam's uncontrolled spillway, with a width of 120 feet, can handle a maximum discharge of 8,334 cubic feet per second. The surrounding area covers a surface area of 23 acres, with a drainage area of 2.7 square miles. As a crucial water resource for the region, Upper Goldwater stands as a testament to responsible water management and environmental stewardship in the face of climate challenges.

Year Completed

1932

Dam Length

383

Dam Height

52

River Or Stream

BANNON CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Buttress

Surface Area

23

Drainage Area

2.7

Nid Storage

700

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

52
       
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.