Description
The Painted Rock Dam was constructed during a 3 year period from 1957-1960 by the United States Army Corps of Engineers to help control seasonal floods on the lower reaches of the Gila River. The river had no significant impediments between the Colorado River and the Coolidge Dam hundreds of miles upstream. As the river receives several tributaries, including the Hassayampa, Agua Fria rivers, and most importantly the Salt River and its major tributary, the Verde River. Due to a relatively large watershed of 50,800 square miles (132,000 km2), more than half of which is unregulated, the flood threat to small farming communities downstream on the Gila River is large, and seasonal flooding of these areas prior to the construction of the dam was significant.
The area surrounding the dam has also hosted a number of historical events. The Butterfield Overland Mail route passed through the area, as did the path followed by the Mormon Battalion. Evidence of both can be found, as well as the expedition of Juan Bautista De Anza in 1774. Inscriptions made by these groups can be found in various sites in the region. Near the dam site, there is also a campground maintained by the Bureau of Land Management that showcases a number of prehistoric petroglyphs, indicating human involvement in the region long predating Western influence.
| Painted Rock Reservoir | |
|---|---|
| Location | Arizona |
| Coordinates | 33°4′22″N 113°0′56″W / 33.07278°N 113.01556°W / 33.07278; -113.01556 (Painted Rock Reservoir) |
| Lake type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | Gila River |
| Primary outflows | Gila River, evaporation |
| Catchment area | 50,800 sq mi (132,000 km2) |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 53,200 acres (215 km2) (maximum) |
| Max. depth | 181 ft (55 m) |
| Water volume | 2,491,700 acre·ft (3.0735 km3) (maximum) |
| Surface elevation | 661 ft (201 m) |
The lake and reservoir are dry as of August 2009 and are closed to the public due to contamination of pesticide run off. This is in stark contrast to the level of upkeep during the 1990s. The state was forced to abandon the campground and the area is now marked as "NO TRESPASSING". No hunting, hiking, or camping is allowed. The Army Corps of Engineers now maintains the property.
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