Riggs Flat dam
Riggs Flat
Riggs Flat is a state-regulated water resource located in Graham, Arizona, with a primary purpose of recreation. The dam, completed in 1951, stands at a height of 45 feet and has a storage capacity of 155 acre-feet. The reservoir covers an area of 11 acres and is fed by Grant Creek, providing a tranquil setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy water-based activities.
Managed by the Arizona Department of Water Resources, Riggs Flat has a low hazard potential and is categorized as having a moderate risk level. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 20 feet, capable of handling a maximum discharge of 400 cubic feet per second. The structure is inspected every five years, with the last assessment conducted in December 2013.
With its scenic location and recreational opportunities, Riggs Flat serves as a popular destination for those interested in water resources and climate. Visitors can experience the beauty of the surrounding landscape while appreciating the engineering feat of the earth dam that creates this peaceful reservoir in the heart of Arizona's natural beauty.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Riggs Flat -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Frye Creek Near Thatcher | 1 cfs | → |
| Gila River At Head Of Safford Valley | 23 cfs | → |
| Bonita Creek Near Morenci | 2 cfs | → |
| San Pedro R At Redington Bridge Nr Redington | 400 cfs | → |
| Gila River At Calva | 13 cfs | → |
| Aravaipa Creek Near Mammoth | 1 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Riggs Flat.
Boat launches
Campgrounds
- Riggs Flat Campground
- Riggs Flat
- Clark Peak Corrals
- Soldier Creek Campground
- Columbine Corrals Campground
- Columbine Corrals
Paddle runs
- Headwaters To Diversion For Cluff Ranch
- Headwaters To Confluence With Grant Creek
- Headwaters To Diversion Approximately 0.75 Mile From Coronado National Forest Boundary
- Headwaters To Coronado National Forest Boundary
- Aravaipa Creek
- Bonita Creek
More reservoirs
Track Riggs Flat in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Riggs Flat
Where does the data for Riggs Flat come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Riggs Flat.