Cave Buttes Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cave Buttes, located in Maricopa County, Arizona, is a crucial flood risk reduction structure along the Cave Creek River.


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Summary

Built in 1980, this earth dam stands at an impressive height of 93 feet, with a total structural height of 118 feet and a length of 2260 feet. With a maximum storage capacity of 122,000 acre-feet, this dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events.

Managed by the Arizona Department of Water Resources, Cave Buttes is subject to regular state inspections, enforcement, and permitting to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam's spillway, with a width of 510 feet, helps control water flow during peak discharge events, further reducing flood risk in the region. Despite its high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment remains satisfactory, with a moderate risk level of 3, indicating a proactive approach to risk management.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate Cave Buttes not only for its functional purpose in flood risk reduction but also for its contribution to the overall water management system in the area. As a critical infrastructure designed to safeguard against potential inundation, this earth dam serves as a testament to the importance of proactive water resource management and the collaboration between local government agencies and regulatory bodies to ensure community safety and resilience in the face of natural disasters.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

2260

Dam Height

93

River Or Stream

CAVE CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

1820

Hydraulic Height

93

Drainage Area

191

Nid Storage

122000

Structural Height

118

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

118
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.