Cave Buttes Dam facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cave Buttes Dam
Cave Buttes Dam marker
Location	Maricopa County, Arizona, USA
Opening date	1979
Dam and spillways
Impounds	Cave Creek Wash
Height	85 feet (26 m)
Length	2,000 feet (610 m)

The Cave Buttes Dam is a special kind of dam located near Cave Creek, Arizona. It's called an "earthen dam" because it's built mostly from compacted earth and rock. This dam is super important for preventing floods in the northern part of Phoenix.

It's known as a "dry dam," which means it usually doesn't hold water. Instead, it's designed to stop and slow down floodwaters only when heavy rains cause the Cave Creek Wash to overflow. The dam was finished in 1979. It took the place of an older dam nearby called the Cave Creek Dam.

What is the Cave Buttes Dam For?

The main job of the Cave Buttes Dam is to protect homes and businesses in North Phoenix from flooding. When there's a big storm, a lot of water can rush down the Cave Creek Wash. Without the dam, this water could cause a lot of damage.

How Does a Dry Dam Work?

Unlike dams that create big lakes for water supply, a dry dam like Cave Buttes Dam is usually empty. It has gates or openings that allow normal water flow to pass through. But during a flood, these openings can be closed or are too small for the huge amount of water.

This makes the water back up behind the dam, forming a temporary lake. The dam holds back the floodwaters, releasing them slowly and safely over time. This prevents a sudden rush of water from overwhelming the areas downstream.

Key Facts About the Dam

The Cave Buttes Dam is quite large. It stretches about 2,000 feet (about 610 meters) across the wash. It stands about 85 feet (about 26 meters) tall. These dimensions help it hold back a lot of water when needed.

The dam was built to be strong and reliable. Its construction in 1979 was a big step in improving flood control for the growing city of Phoenix. It's a key part of the flood protection system for the area.

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