Bartlett Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bartlett Dam in Maricopa, Arizona, is a federal water supply structure managed by the Bureau of Reclamation.


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Summary

Completed in 1938, this buttress dam on the Verde River stands at a height of 308.5 feet and has a storage capacity of 178,000 acre-feet, serving as a vital resource for water supply in the region. The dam's maximum discharge capacity is 175,000 cubic feet per second, with a controlled spillway width of 170 feet.

With a high hazard potential and very high risk assessment rating, Bartlett Dam has undergone modifications for hydraulic, seismic, and structural improvements in 1997. Despite its critical role in water management, the condition assessment of the dam is currently listed as not available. Emergency action plans are in place, with the last revision in December 2020, ensuring preparedness for any potential risks associated with the dam's operations. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Bartlett Dam presents a fascinating case study of infrastructure management and the challenges of maintaining water supply structures in a changing environment.

Years Modified

1997 - Hydraulic, 1997 - Seismic, 1997 - Structural

Year Completed

1938

Dam Length

1130

Dam Height

308.5

River Or Stream

VERDE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Buttress

Surface Area

3519

Hydraulic Height

211

Drainage Area

5815

Nid Storage

178000

Structural Height

308

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

309
       
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.