Owens Lake Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Owens Lake in Apache, Arizona, is a privately-owned offstream reservoir primarily used for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

The dam at Owens Lake is an earth-type structure with a height of 20.3 meters and a length of 379 meters, providing a storage capacity of 164.26 acre-feet. Despite being regulated by the Arizona Department of Water Resources, the dam has a low hazard potential and has not been rated for its current condition.

Located in a rural area near the city of Greer, Owens Lake offers opportunities for fire protection, stock watering, recreation, and small fish pond activities in addition to its main irrigation function. With a surface area of 24.3 acres, the reservoir serves as a vital water resource for the surrounding community. Although the dam's last inspection dates back to July 2011, the risk assessment for Owens Lake indicates a high level of risk, necessitating proper risk management measures to ensure its continued safety and functionality.

Owned by a private entity, Owens Lake is a key water source in the region, contributing to the local water supply and supporting various agricultural and recreational activities. As climate change continues to impact water resources, it is crucial for regulatory agencies and dam owners to regularly assess and monitor the condition of structures like Owens Lake to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety and sustainability of water systems in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Dam Length

379

Dam Height

20.3

River Or Stream

OFFSTREAM

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

24.3

Hydraulic Height

20.3

Nid Storage

164.26

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

20
       
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.