Ortega Lake Retention, located in White Mountain Lake Estates, Arizona, is a key infrastructure owned by the local government and regulated by the Arizona Department of Water Resources. Built in 1987 for flood risk reduction along Brown Creek, this earth dam stands at 19 feet high and spans 2260 feet, with a storage capacity of 530 acre-feet. With a low hazard potential and a high risk assessment rating of 2, the dam has not been condition rated, but it undergoes inspections every 5 years to ensure its safety and functionality.

Despite its relatively small surface area of 94 acres and drainage area of 34 square miles, Ortega Lake Retention plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region. The dam does not have a spillway but serves as a vital barrier against potential disasters. While it has not undergone recent risk management measures, its emergency action plan status and readiness for any potential inundation events remain unspecified. With its strategic location and purposeful design, Ortega Lake Retention stands as a testament to effective water resource management and climate resilience efforts in Apache County, Arizona.