Dagger Draw Detention Dam 2 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Dagger Draw Detention Dam 2, located in Duncan, Arizona, is a Federal-owned structure managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
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Summary
This gravity dam on Railroad Wash was completed in 1950 to primarily reduce flood risks in the area. Standing at a hydraulic height of 21 feet and a structural height of 26 feet, the dam has a length of 510 feet and offers a storage capacity of 140 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 100 acre-feet. The dam's low hazard potential and fair condition assessment make it a crucial asset for flood risk reduction in Hidalgo, New Mexico.
With a moderate risk assessment score of 3, Dagger Draw Detention Dam 2 has been designed to handle a maximum discharge of 800 cubic feet per second through an uncontrolled spillway. Despite its location in an area with a drainage area of 2.67 square miles, the dam's surface area of 19 acres plays a vital role in mitigating flood risks and protecting the surrounding community. The dam is regularly inspected by the Bureau of Land Management, with the last inspection conducted in July 2015, ensuring its continued functionality and safety for residents and infrastructure downstream.
As a key infrastructure project in flood risk reduction, Dagger Draw Detention Dam 2 serves as an essential component of water resource management in New Mexico. Its strategic location and design features, combined with federal oversight and funding, highlight the commitment to safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the impacts of extreme weather events and climate variability. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the significance of structures like Dagger Draw Detention Dam 2 underscores the importance of proactive measures in building resilience and sustainability in the face of a changing climate.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
510 |
River Or Stream |
RAILROAD WASH |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
19 |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Drainage Area |
2.67 |
Nid Storage |
140 |
Structural Height |
26 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Gila River Below Blue Creek
|
67cfs |
Gila River At Duncan
|
55cfs |
Gila River Near Redrock
|
75cfs |
Gila River Near Clifton
|
66cfs |
Gila River At Head Of Safford Valley
|
94cfs |
San Francisco River At Clifton
|
14cfs |
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.
Dagger Draw Detention Dam 2
Gila