Bootleg dam
Bootleg
Bootleg is a federal-owned recreational dam located in Navajo, Arizona, along Corduroy Creek. Managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 47 feet and was completed in 1965. With a capacity of storing 115 acre-feet of water, Bootleg serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a picturesque setting for water resource and climate enthusiasts to enjoy.
Despite its scenic allure, Bootleg poses a high hazard potential, with a risk assessment rating of "Very High (1)." While the condition assessment is currently not available, the emergency action plan was last revised in 2011. Even though the dam does not fall under the purview of the US Army Corps of Engineers, it is subject to regular inspections every 5 years to ensure its safety and integrity.
For those interested in water resource management and climate resilience, Bootleg presents an intriguing case study in balancing recreational benefits with the necessity of maintaining dam safety. With its lush surroundings and potential risks, this Arizona gem offers a compelling opportunity to explore the intersection of water infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and emergency preparedness.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Bootleg -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Show Low Creek Near Lakeside | · | → |
| East Fork White River Near Fort Apache | 7 cfs | → |
| Carrizo Creek Near Show Low | 1 cfs | → |
| White River Near Fort Apache | 20 cfs | → |
| Little Colorado River At Greer | 1 cfs | → |
| Filler Ditch At Greer | 1 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Bootleg.
Campgrounds
Fishing spots
- Fools Hollow Lake
- Lee Valley Reservoir
- Bunch Reservoir
- River Reservoir South Fishing Site
- Concho Lake
- Crescent Lake Point Area Fishing Site
Paddle runs
- Headwaters In Mount Baldy Wilderness To Wilderness Boundary
- West Fork Little Colorado River
- Headwaters In Mount Baldy Wilderness To 0.1 Miles Above Upper Fish Barrier
- Forest Boundary To 0.15 Miles Below Forest Road 116
- 0.1 Miles Below Lower Fish Barrier To 1/2 Mile Above West Fork Dispersed Campground
- South Fork Little Colorado River
Track Bootleg in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Bootleg
Where does the data for Bootleg come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.