Phoenix Detention Basin #7
Phoenix Detention Basin #7 is an earth dam located in Maricopa County, Arizona, built in 1978. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.
About Phoenix Detention Basin #7
The primary purpose of Phoenix Detention Basin #7 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 City Of Phoenix, Street Transportation Dept. (local government). It impounds the Cave Creek - Tr near Phoenix.
The dam stands 31 feet tall and stretches 1,050 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 18 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 272 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1978, the structure is 48 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 02/22/2024.
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 | Maricopa |
| Nearest City | Phoenix |
| River/Stream | Cave Creek - Tr |
| Coordinates | 33.60167, -112.07333 |
Physical Characteristics
| Dam Type | Earth |
| NID Height | 31 ft |
| Dam Height | 23 ft |
| Dam Length | 1,050 ft |
| Year Completed | 1978 (48 years old) |
Storage & Hydraulics
| NID Storage | 272 acre-ft |
| Max Storage | 272 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 120 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 18 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 5,600 cfs |
| Spillway Type | Uncontrolled |
Ownership & Safety
| Purpose | Flood Risk Reduction |
| Owner | CITY OF PHOENIX, STREET TRANSPORTATION DEPT. |
| Owner Type | Local Government |
| Hazard Classification | High |
| Condition Assessment | Satisfactory |
| Last Inspection | 02/22/2024 |
| Emergency Action Plan | Yes |
Identifiers
| NID ID | AZ00176 |
| Federal ID | AZ00176 |
| More Info | State Dam Safety Program |