Thunderbird Park Reservoir Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Thunderbird Park Reservoir, located in Glendale, Arizona, serves as a crucial water supply source in Maricopa County.


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Summary

Built in 1985, this Earth dam stands at a height of 44 feet and spans 600 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 39.8 acre-feet. The reservoir covers a surface area of 2.4 acres and has a drainage area of 0.01 square miles, providing essential water resources for the region.

Managed by the Arizona Department of Water Resources, Thunderbird Park Reservoir boasts a high hazard potential due to its location along an unnamed wash. Despite this, the condition assessment in 2018 deemed the dam to be satisfactory. With a maximum discharge capacity of 75 cubic feet per second and an uncontrolled spillway type, the reservoir plays a vital role in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water supply reliability. Climate and water resource enthusiasts will find Thunderbird Park Reservoir to be a fascinating example of infrastructure designed to address the challenges of water management in a changing climate.

Year Completed

1985

Dam Length

600

Dam Height

44

River Or Stream

UNNAMED WASH - OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2.4

Hydraulic Height

44

Drainage Area

0.01

Nid Storage

39.8

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

44
       
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.