Guadalupe Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Maricopa County, Arizona, the Guadalupe dam is a vital structure designed by the USDA NRCS to mitigate flood risk along the Salt River.


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Summary

Completed in 1975, this earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and spans a length of 3152 feet, with a storage capacity of 523 acre-feet. The dam is regulated and inspected by the Arizona Department of Water Resources, ensuring its functionality and safety for the surrounding community.

With a spillway width of 200 feet and a high hazard potential, Guadalupe dam serves as a critical flood risk reduction infrastructure in the region. Despite its age, the dam is assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of December 2017, with regular inspections conducted to ensure its integrity. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, providing protection to the city of Guadalupe and the surrounding areas from potential inundation during heavy rainfall events.

Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and nestled within the Los Angeles District, Guadalupe dam plays a crucial role in safeguarding the local community against flooding. With its strategic location and design, the dam continues to be a key asset in water resource and climate management efforts, highlighting the importance of infrastructure in addressing natural hazards and ensuring the resilience of communities in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Year Completed

1975

Dam Length

3152

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

SALT RIVER - TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

27

Hydraulic Height

27

Drainage Area

1.87

Nid Storage

523

Structural Height

36.5

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

37
       
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.