Horseshoe Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Horseshoe is a captivating rockfill dam located on the Verde River in Maricopa, Arizona, boasting a towering height of 202 feet and a storage capacity of 214,372 acre-feet.


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Summary

Built in 1945 for irrigation purposes, this Federal-owned structure is managed by the Bureau of Reclamation and plays a crucial role in water supply management in the region. With a spillway width of 342 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 250,000 cubic feet per second, Horseshoe is equipped to handle high water levels and mitigate potential hazards.

The dam underwent significant modifications in 1996 to enhance its hydraulic, seismic, and structural integrity, ensuring its resilience to potential risks. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, Horseshoe has not had a recent condition assessment available. Its Emergency Action Plan was last revised in December 2020, indicating a proactive approach to emergency preparedness. With its very high risk assessment rating, Horseshoe serves as a critical infrastructure piece in the water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the area.

Overall, Horseshoe stands as a monumental structure on the Verde River, serving as a vital component of the region's irrigation and water supply system. With its impressive storage capacity and strategic location, this rockfill dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating risks associated with potential hazards. As a Federal-owned and Bureau of Reclamation-managed facility, Horseshoe exemplifies the dedication to ensuring water security and infrastructure resilience in the face of changing climate conditions.

Years Modified

1996 - Hydraulic, 1996 - Seismic, 1996 - Structural

Year Completed

1945

Dam Length

1994

Dam Height

202

River Or Stream

VERDE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

3656

Hydraulic Height

175

Drainage Area

5618

Nid Storage

214372

Structural Height

202

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

202
       
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.