Pacheta Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pacheta is a federally owned dam located in Apache County, Arizona, along Pacheta Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1967 by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 37 feet and has a storage capacity of 1600 acre-feet. The dam serves a critical function in managing water resources in the area, with a spillway type classified as controlled.

Despite its importance, Pacheta poses a high hazard potential with a very high risk assessment rating. However, the condition assessment is currently listed as not available, indicating a need for further evaluation and potential risk management measures. The Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for the dam was last revised in 2011, highlighting the importance of maintaining updated emergency protocols for this crucial water infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Pacheta represents a significant piece of infrastructure managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. With its high hazard potential and very high risk assessment rating, there is a clear need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and reliability of this essential dam. As climate change impacts continue to influence water resources, the importance of proactive risk management measures for structures like Pacheta becomes increasingly evident.

Year Completed

1967

Dam Length

240

River Or Stream

PACHETA CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

1600

Structural Height

37

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

37
       
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.