Cholla Fly Ash Pond Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cholla Fly Ash Pond, located in Joseph City, Arizona, is a vital water resource managed by a public utility.
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Summary
This pond, completed in 1978, serves as a storage facility with a capacity of 18,000 acre-feet and a surface area of 430 acres. Situated along the Little Colorado River, it plays a crucial role in water management in the region.
Despite its significant role in water storage, the Cholla Fly Ash Pond has a high hazard potential and is subject to regular inspections and enforcement by the Arizona Department of Water Resources. The dam, primarily made of earth with stone core and rock-soil foundations, stands at a height of 80 feet and spans a length of 4565 feet. With a drainage area of 2.47 square miles, this structure is designed to withstand high-risk scenarios, making it a key asset in water resource management in Navajo County.
The condition assessment of the Cholla Fly Ash Pond is rated as satisfactory, with a risk assessment of high. Its emergency action plan and risk management measures are still being developed, highlighting the ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and reliability of this critical water infrastructure. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the Cholla Fly Ash Pond remains a key component in the sustainable management of water in the region.
Year Completed |
1978 |
Dam Length |
4565 |
Dam Height |
80 |
River Or Stream |
LITTLE COLORADO RIVER - TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
430 |
Hydraulic Height |
80 |
Drainage Area |
2.47 |
Nid Storage |
18000 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
80 |
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.
Cholla Fly Ash Pond