Riggs Reservoir

Riggs Reservoir is an earth dam located in Graham County, Arizona, built in 1929. It carries a Significant hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Riggs Reservoir

The primary purpose of Riggs Reservoir is water supply. The dam stores water for municipal, industrial, or agricultural use, helping ensure a reliable supply for the surrounding area. The dam is owned by City Of Safford (local government). It impounds the Gila River - Offstream near Thatcher.

The dam stands 54 feet tall and stretches 750 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 3 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 52 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 0 square miles. Completed in 1929, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.

This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. 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 04/08/2021.

At 54 feet, this dam is taller than 94% of dams nationwide.

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Significant HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StateArizona
CountyGraham
Nearest CityThatcher
River/StreamGila River - Offstream
Coordinates32.78389, -109.77667

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeEarth
NID Height54 ft
Dam Height31 ft
Dam Length750 ft
Year Completed1929 (97 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage52 acre-ft
Max Storage52 acre-ft
Normal Storage39 acre-ft
Surface Area3 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge30 cfs
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeWater Supply
OwnerCITY OF SAFFORD
Owner TypeLocal Government
Hazard ClassificationSignificant
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection04/08/2021
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDAZ00158
Federal IDAZ00158
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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