Red Mountain Freeway Levee Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Red Mountain Freeway Levee in Maricopa, Arizona, is a critical piece of infrastructure designed for flood risk reduction.


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Summary

Completed in 2008, this earth dam stretches over 16,877 feet with a height of 16 feet, providing storage capacity of 1,158 acre-feet. Located in S26, T2N, R6E, this state-regulated levee is under the jurisdiction of the Arizona Department of Water Resources, ensuring its compliance with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements.

Despite its satisfactory condition assessment in 2017, the Red Mountain Freeway Levee poses a high hazard potential, with a risk assessment rating of 2. Emergency action plans are yet to be prepared, and risk management measures are unspecified. With a high risk of inundation, this levee serves as a crucial barrier against potential flooding events, safeguarding the surrounding area in Maricopa County. The primary purpose of this levee is flood risk reduction, serving as a vital component in the region's water resource management strategy.

Managed by the state of Arizona, the Red Mountain Freeway Levee plays a crucial role in protecting the community from flood risks. With a solid foundation of stone core and earth dam construction, this levee stands as a testament to effective water resource infrastructure. The proactive approach to state regulation, inspection, and enforcement ensures the continued safety and functionality of this critical flood control structure in Maricopa County.

Year Completed

2008

Dam Length

16877

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

UNKNOWN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

1158

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

16
       
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.