Howard is a privately owned dam located in Graham, Arizona, along the Gila River - TR. 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.