West Doubtful Detention Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 15, 2025
Located in Cochise, Arizona, the West Doubtful Detention Dam serves as a vital flood risk reduction structure along the San Simon Creek.
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Summary
Built in 1968 by the Bureau of Land Management, this gravity dam stands at a hydraulic height of 29 feet and spans 3,265 feet in length. With a maximum storage capacity of 865.6 acre-feet and a normal storage of 798.9 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.
Despite its age, the West Doubtful Detention Dam remains in fair condition with a low hazard potential. Regular inspections are conducted every five years to ensure its structural integrity and effectiveness in flood control. As a federally owned and operated structure, it is primarily funded, designed, constructed, and regulated by the Bureau of Land Management. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam continues to play a key role in safeguarding the surrounding area from potential flood events.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the engineering and management efforts that have gone into the West Doubtful Detention Dam. As a critical flood risk reduction structure in Arizona, it exemplifies the importance of sustainable water infrastructure for protecting communities and natural habitats. With its strategic location and design, this dam stands as a testament to effective water resource management practices in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1968 |
Dam Length |
3265 |
River Or Stream |
SAN SIMON CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
125.9 |
Hydraulic Height |
29 |
Drainage Area |
44 |
Nid Storage |
865.6 |
Structural Height |
3 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
29 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Gila River At Duncan
|
31cfs |
Gila River Below Blue Creek
|
59cfs |
Gila River At Head Of Safford Valley
|
80cfs |
Gila River Near Redrock
|
69cfs |
Gila River Near Clifton
|
49cfs |
Frye Creek Near Thatcher
|
1cfs |
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.
West Doubtful Detention Dam