Ryan Detention Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Ryan Detention Dam, located in Solomon, Arizona, is a federal structure managed by the Bureau of Land Management and designed for flood risk reduction along the Ryan Draw river.
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Summary
Built in 1967, this gravity dam stands at a hydraulic height of 34 feet and a structural height of 37 feet, with a length of 2000 feet and a storage capacity of 435 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential and fair condition assessment, the dam has a moderate risk rating, indicating a need for ongoing monitoring and management measures.
While the dam does not fall under state regulation or jurisdiction, it is inspected every five years, with the last inspection conducted in July 2015. With an uncontrolled spillway and a surface area of 38 acres, Ryan Detention Dam serves as a crucial infrastructure for mitigating flood risks in the region. Its primary purpose and design focus on flood risk reduction, showcasing the importance of such structures in maintaining water resource sustainability and climate resilience in arid regions like Arizona.
As climate change continues to impact water resources and weather patterns, the role of dams like Ryan Detention Dam becomes increasingly vital in managing flood risks and ensuring water security for local communities. With an emphasis on risk assessment and management, as well as regular inspections and maintenance, this federal dam serves as a critical piece of infrastructure in safeguarding against the potential impacts of extreme weather events and climate variability in the region.
Year Completed |
1967 |
Dam Length |
2000 |
River Or Stream |
RYAN DRAW |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
38 |
Hydraulic Height |
34 |
Nid Storage |
435 |
Structural Height |
37 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
37 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Gila River At Duncan
|
31cfs |
Gila River At Head Of Safford Valley
|
81cfs |
Frye Creek Near Thatcher
|
1cfs |
Bonita Creek Near Morenci
|
3cfs |
Gila River Near Clifton
|
43cfs |
Gila River Below Blue Creek
|
47cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Ryan Detention Dam