Christmas Tree Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Christmas Tree is a federally owned recreational dam located in White River, Arizona, along the Sun Creek.


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Summary

Built in 1965 by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 45 feet and spans 850 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 575 acre-feet, it serves primarily for recreational purposes and is regulated by the DOI BIA.

Despite its modest size, Christmas Tree is classified as having a high hazard potential, with a very high risk assessment rating. While the condition assessment is not available, the emergency action plan was last revised in 2011. The dam is inspected every 5 years, indicating a commitment to ensuring its safety and integrity. The dam's spillway is controlled, although there are no outlet gates or locks associated with the structure.

Located in Apache County, Arizona, Christmas Tree Dam poses a potential risk to the surrounding area in the event of a breach or failure. As a popular recreational spot, it is essential for the Bureau of Indian Affairs to regularly monitor and maintain the dam to mitigate any potential hazards. Water resource and climate enthusiasts would find this data intriguing, as it sheds light on the importance of maintaining and managing dams in environmentally sensitive areas like the Sun Creek watershed.

Year Completed

1965

Dam Length

850

River Or Stream

SUN CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

575

Structural Height

45

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

45
       
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.