Arizona Administrative Code
Title 12 - NATURAL RESOURCES
Chapter 15 - DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES
Article 12 - DAM SAFETY PROCEDURES
Section R12-15-1206 - Classification of Dams

Universal Citation: AZ Admin Code R 12-15-1206

Current through Register Vol. 30, No. 52, December 27, 2024

A. Size Classification. Dams are classified by size as small, intermediate, or large. Size is determined with reference to Table 2. An owner or engineer shall determine size by storage capacity or height, whichever results in the larger size.

B. Hazard Potential Classification

1. The Department shall base hazard potential classification on an evaluation of the probable present and future incremental adverse consequences that would result from the release of water or stored contents due to failure or improper operation of the dam or appurtenances, regardless of the condition of the dam. The evaluation shall include land use zoning and development projected for the affected area over the 10 year period following classification of the dam. The Department considers all of the following factors in hazard potential classification: probable loss of human life, economic and lifeline losses, and intangible losses identified and evaluated by a public resource management or protection agency.
a. The Department bases the probable incremental loss of human life determination primarily on the number of permanent structures for human habitation that would be impacted in the event of failure or improper operation of a dam. The Department considers loss of human life unlikely if:
i. Persons are only temporarily in the potential inundation area;

ii. There are no residences or overnight campsites; and

iii. The owner has control of access to the potential inundation area and provides an emergency action plan with a process for warning in the event of a dam failure or improper operation of a dam.

b. The Department bases the probable economic, lifeline, and intangible loss determinations on the property losses, interruptions of services, and intangible losses that would be likely to result from failure or improper operation of a dam.

2. The 4 hazard potential classification levels are very low, low, significant, and high, listed in order of increasing probable adverse incremental consequences, as prescribed in Table 3. The Director shall classify intangible losses by considering the common or unique nature of features or habitats and temporary or permanent nature of changes.
a. Very Low Hazard Potential. Failure or improper operation of a dam would be unlikely to result in loss of human life and would produce no lifeline losses and very low economic and intangible losses. Losses would be limited to the 100 year floodplain or property owned or controlled by the dam owner under long-term lease. The Department considers loss of life unlikely because there are no residences or overnight camp sites.

b. Low Hazard Potential. Failure or improper operation of a dam would be unlikely to result in loss of human life, but would produce low economic and intangible losses, and result in no disruption of lifeline services that require more than cosmetic repair. Property losses would be limited to rural or agricultural property, including equipment, and isolated buildings.

c. Significant Hazard Potential. Failure or improper operation of a dam would be unlikely to result in loss of human life but may cause significant or high economic loss, intangible damage requiring major mitigation, and disruption or impact on lifeline facilities. Property losses would occur in a predominantly rural or agricultural area with a transient population but significant infrastructure.

d. High Hazard Potential. Failure or improper operation of a dam would be likely to cause loss of human life because of residential, commercial, or industrial development. Intangible losses may be major and potentially impossible to mitigate, critical lifeline services may be significantly disrupted, and property losses may be extensive.

3. An applicant shall demonstrate the hazard potential classification of a dam before filing an application to construct. The Department shall review the applicant's demonstration early in the design process at pre-application meetings prescribed in R12-15-1207(D).

4. The Department shall review the hazard potential classification of each dam during each subsequent dam safety inspection and revise the classification in accordance with current conditions.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Arizona may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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