Mormon Flat Dam and Canyon Lake

Mormon Flat Dam was the first dam constructed under SRP’s hydroelectric expansion program in the 1920s. It also forms Canyon Lake, where visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, scenic hikes and more.

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Upcoming project at Canyon Lake Arizona

Beginning Sept. 16, 2026, the water level of Canyon Lake will be lowered for approximately 16 weeks to conduct critical dam safety inspections and maintenance. Tonto National Forest will close the lake on Sept. 8, including all boat ramps and access points, to prepare for the drawdown.

SRP and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation perform these safety measures every 20 years to ensure dam safety and water reliability for our 2.5 million Valley residents. During the project, water will continue to be stored in other reservoirs to ensure no water is wasted while the work is performed.

To learn more about the project, visit the Canyon Lake Drawdown webpage.

Harnessing the power of water and the pioneer spirit

Mormon Flat Dam’s history began as part of a power expansion program developed by General Superintendent Charles C. Cragin in the early 1920s.

Cragin's program included a plan for constructing three hydroelectric dams on the lower Salt River along with a power transmission system. Mormon Flat Dam was the first of these three dams to be built.

Construction took place from 1923 to 1926 and after all was said and done, the concrete thin-arch structure dam stood 224 feet high. It was named after nearby Mormon Flat, a place where pioneers from Utah stopped to camp on their way to the Valley.

After Mormon Flat Dam, Horse Mesa Dam was constructed, then Stewart Mountain Dam. Together, these three dams more than doubled SRP's hydropower generating capacity and improved the control of irrigation releases.*

SRP used the power revenue that was generated to pay back the federal government for Roosevelt Dam construction and for the bonds used to finance the new lower Salt River dams.

Today, there are two hydroelectric generating units at the dam: one is a conventional unit rated at 10,000 kW; the other is a pumped storage unit built in 1971 and rated at 50,000 kW. The pumped storage unit permits recycling of water for hydroelectric production and keeps lake levels relatively constant.

Mormon Flat Dam also forms Canyon Lake, a hidden gem that offers secluded campsites, beautiful desert views and great fishing.

Canyon Lake

Things to do at Canyon Lake

Located just 45 minutes east of Phoenix, Canyon Lake offers a refreshing respite from the city. See how you can spend the day or an entire weekend enjoying its cool waters. Just make sure to check water levels (Opens in a new tab) before you go.