Howard Reservoir Report
Nearby: Chesley-Wamslee Grant Morris
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Howard is a privately owned dam located in Graham, Arizona, along the Gila River - TR.
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Summary
Completed in 1975, this earth dam stands at a height of 44.5 feet and has a length of 413 feet, with a storage capacity of 165 acre-feet. Despite its primary purpose being flood risk reduction, Howard is also regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Arizona Department of Water Resources, ensuring its structural integrity and safety.
With a high hazard potential and a satisfactory condition assessment as of December 2017, Howard poses a significant risk in case of failure. However, the dam has not been modified in recent years, and its emergency action plan status remains unclear. The dam's risk assessment is rated as high (2), indicating the need for vigilant monitoring and risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the safety of surrounding communities.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the complexities and importance of dams like Howard in managing water resources and reducing flood risks is crucial. By keeping a close eye on its condition, inspection dates, and risk assessments, we can work towards improving the resilience of such critical infrastructure in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing water-related challenges.
Year Completed |
1975 |
Dam Length |
413 |
Dam Height |
44.5 |
River Or Stream |
GILA RIVER - TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
8.4 |
Drainage Area |
0.25 |
Nid Storage |
165 |
Structural Height |
49 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
49 |
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.
Howard