White Tanks #3 dam
White Tanks #3
White Tanks #3 is a local government-owned earth dam located in Litchfield Park, Arizona, designed by USDA NRCS and completed in 1956. This flood risk reduction structure stands at a height of 25.5 feet and spans 9571 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 4800 acre-feet. Situated on the Gila River, the dam is regulated by the Arizona Department of Water Resources, ensuring that it meets state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements.
With a spillway width of 1000 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 24000 cubic feet per second, White Tanks #3 plays a critical role in managing flood risks in the region. The dam's satisfactory condition assessment and high hazard potential highlight its importance in protecting the surrounding area from potential inundation. Despite its age, the structure continues to meet regulatory standards and is equipped with a slide gate outlet for controlled water release.
Overall, White Tanks #3 serves as a vital infrastructure for flood control in Maricopa County, Arizona, with a moderate risk assessment rating of 3. As climate change impacts water resources, structures like this are essential for mitigating the effects of extreme weather events and ensuring the safety of nearby communities. The dam's ongoing maintenance and adherence to regulatory guidelines demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding water resources and enhancing resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.
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 White Tanks #3 -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Gila River At Estrella Parkway | · | → |
| Hassayampa River Near Arlington | · | → |
| Salt River At 51st Avenue | 0 cfs | → |
| Skunk Creek Near Phoenix | · | → |
| Hassayampa River Near Morristown | · | → |
| Gila Bend Canal At Gillespie Dam | 40 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near White Tanks #3.
Boat launches
- Lake Pleasant 10 Lane Boat Ramp
- North Ramp Road Peoria
- West Peninsula Road Peoria
- Castle Creek Road Peoria
Campgrounds
- White Tank Mountain
- Estrella Mountain Regional Park
- Buckeye Hills Co Park
- Rooadrunner Campground
- Desert Tortoise Campground
- Raccoon Camp
Fishing spots
Track White Tanks #3 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 White Tanks #3
Where does the data for White Tanks #3 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 High 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 White Tanks #3.