Rittenhouse
Rittenhouse is an earth dam located in Pinal County, Arizona, built in 1969. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Rittenhouse
The primary purpose of Rittenhouse is flood risk reduction. The dam is designed to control downstream flooding by temporarily storing excess water during storms and releasing it at a controlled rate. The dam is owned by Flood Control District Of Maricopa County (local government). It impounds the Mineral Creek near Williams Air Force Base.
The dam stands 35 feet tall and stretches 22,000 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 660 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 4,520 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 91 square miles. Completed in 1969, the structure is well into its service life at over 50 years old.
This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 01/23/2024.
At 35 feet, this dam is taller than 82% of dams nationwide.
Living Downstream
If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Arizona dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.
Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.
Location
| State | Arizona |
| County | Pinal |
| Nearest City | Williams Air Force Base |
| River/Stream | Mineral Creek |
| Coordinates | 33.28083, -111.50278 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 35 ft |
| Dam Height | 17 ft |
| Dam Length | 22,000 ft |
| Year Completed | 1969 (57 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 4,520 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 4,520 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 4,060 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 660 acres |
| Drainage Area | 91 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 18,200 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT OF MARICOPA COUNTY |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 01/23/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | AZ00085 |
| Federal ID | AZ00085 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |