Cove Detention Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cove Detention Dam, located in Solomon, Arizona, along the San Simon River, was completed in 1969 by the Bureau of Land Management to mitigate flood risks in the area.


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Summary

This gravity dam stands at a structural height of 24 feet and has a hydraulic height of 19 feet, providing crucial flood risk reduction for the surrounding community. With a storage capacity of 666.5 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 304.7 acre-feet, Cove Detention Dam plays a vital role in managing water flow during periods of heavy rainfall.

Despite its importance in flood control, Cove Detention Dam's condition assessment is rated as poor with a low hazard potential. The dam spans 1170 feet in length and covers a surface area of 55 acres, serving a drainage area of 7.5 square miles. The spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 3 feet. While the dam has not been modified in recent years, regular inspections are conducted every five years to ensure its structural integrity. Overall, Cove Detention Dam presents a moderate risk level (3) and serves as a crucial infrastructure for water resource management in Graham County, Arizona.

Year Completed

1969

Dam Length

1170

River Or Stream

SAN SIMON RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

55

Hydraulic Height

19

Drainage Area

7.5

Nid Storage

666.5

Structural Height

24

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

24
       
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.