Schoens Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Schoens is a rockfill dam located in Navajo, Arizona, along the Show Low Creek.


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Summary

Completed in 1988, this dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction, with a height of 118 feet and a length of 880 feet. It has a storage capacity of 62,000 acre-feet, with a normal storage of 6,000 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 55,000 cubic feet per second. The dam's spillway, which is uncontrolled, has a width of 110 feet.

Managed by the Arizona Department of Water Resources, Schoens has a high hazard potential but is in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in September 2017. The dam is inspected annually, with the last inspection conducted in September 2020. While it has not been modified in recent years, Schoens is equipped to handle moderate risks according to its risk assessment rating. The dam's location in Taylor, Arizona, makes it a crucial infrastructure for protecting the surrounding areas from potential flooding events.

With its impressive size and critical role in flood risk reduction, Schoens stands as a testament to Arizona's commitment to managing its water resources effectively. As climate change continues to impact water availability and precipitation patterns, dams like Schoens will play a crucial role in safeguarding communities and ecosystems against the growing threats of extreme weather events. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the engineering marvel that is Schoens and the vital function it serves in protecting the residents of Navajo County and beyond.

Year Completed

1988

Dam Length

880

Dam Height

118

River Or Stream

SHOW LOW CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

900

Drainage Area

199.4

Nid Storage

62000

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

118
       
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.