Dreamy Draw Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dreamy Draw is a significant flood risk reduction structure located in Phoenix, Arizona.


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Summary

Built in 1973, this earth dam stands at a height of 41.6 feet and spans 455 feet in length, with a maximum storage capacity of 770 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction for the surrounding area, with a drainage area of 1.3 square miles and a maximum discharge capacity of 5900 cubic feet per second.

Managed by the Arizona Department of Water Resources, Dreamy Draw has been inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity. With a high hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment as of March 2018, the dam plays a crucial role in protecting the community from potential flooding events. Despite its risk level being classified as moderate, the dam has proven to be an essential infrastructure for water resource and climate management in Maricopa County, Arizona.

Year Completed

1973

Dam Length

455

Dam Height

41.6

River Or Stream

DREAMY DRAW

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

27

Hydraulic Height

41.6

Drainage Area

1.3

Nid Storage

770

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

42
       
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.