Elgo Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

Elgo is a federal-owned irrigation structure located in San Carlos, Arizona, along the San Carlos River.


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Summary

Completed in 1979 by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 133 feet and spans a length of 1100 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 6000 acre-feet, Elgo serves the primary purpose of providing water for irrigation in the region.

Despite its vital role in supporting agricultural activities, Elgo poses a high hazard potential due to its age and lack of recent condition assessments. The dam is classified as having a very high risk level, emphasizing the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the safety of surrounding communities. While an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) was last revised in 2013, there is a need for updated preparedness measures to align with current guidelines and mitigate potential risks.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the data on Elgo highlights the critical intersection between infrastructure, water management, and risk assessment. The detailed information provided sheds light on the importance of proactive measures to safeguard dams like Elgo, ensuring sustainable water usage and mitigating the potential impact of natural disasters on local communities. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in managing water resources and the need for continuous monitoring and maintenance of crucial infrastructure in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

1100

River Or Stream

SAN CARLOS RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

6000

Structural Height

133

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

133
       
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.
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