Sunnyside, also known as Sheep Springs #2, is a state-regulated dam located in Apache County, Arizona, along Fish Creek.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1912, this earth dam stands at a height of 13.2 feet and has a storage capacity of 72.2 acre-feet, primarily serving purposes such as fire protection, stock watering, and as a small fish pond. With a spillway width of 35 feet and a low hazard potential, Sunnyside plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.
Managed by the Arizona Department of Water Resources, Sunnyside is subject to regular state inspections and enforcement, ensuring its structural integrity and safety. The dam's moderate risk assessment indicates the need for ongoing risk management measures to mitigate potential hazards. Despite its age, Sunnyside continues to provide essential water storage and management functions, demonstrating its importance in maintaining the local ecosystem and supporting various water-related activities in the area.
As a key structure in the region, Sunnyside stands as a testament to the early efforts in water infrastructure development and the ongoing commitment to safeguarding water resources for both human and environmental needs. With its historical significance and continued operational relevance, Sunnyside serves as a reminder of the vital role that dams play in water supply, climate adaptation, and overall community resilience in Arizona and beyond.
Year Completed |
1912 |
Dam Length |
266 |
Dam Height |
13.2 |
River Or Stream |
FISH CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
16.4 |
Hydraulic Height |
13.2 |
Drainage Area |
6 |
Nid Storage |
72.2 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
13 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Sunrise Lake
|
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Rolfe C. Hoyer Campground
|
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Rolfe C. Hoyer
|
||
Benny Creek Campground
|
||
Benny Creek
|
||
Ditch Campground
|
West Fork Little Colorado River
South Fork Little Colorado River
Headwaters In Mount Baldy Wilderness To 0.1 Miles Above Upper Fish Barrier
Headwaters In Mount Baldy Wilderness To Wilderness Boundary
Forest Boundary To 0.15 Miles Below Forest Road 116
State Highway 261 To 1/2 Mile Above Crosby Crossing