Dam Releases Water, Closing Gila River Crossings

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is releasing water from Painted Rock Dam, with about 13 road crossings along the Gila River set to close.

Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Current Conditions

Wide view of a concrete dam spillway releasing brown river water into a braided desert river channel under a pale sky. — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began releasing up to 3,000 cubic feet per second from Painted Rock Dam, closing about 13 Gila River road crossings to make room for possible rain. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began releasing water from Painted Rock Dam on Monday, with flows reaching up to 3,000 cubic-feet per second. The release is intended to make room for potential additional rainfall.

Why it matters

Increased flows along the Gila River and the closure of about 13 road crossings between Painted Rock Dam and the Colorado River affect travel and river conditions for residents across Arizona. The water entering the dam comes primarily from the Verde River watershed.

The data comes from an official U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operational release, with flows of up to 3,000 cubic-feet per second and about 13 road crossings closing along the Gila River. The release is expected to last about two weeks, though the schedule may change with weather and operating conditions.

The players

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is a federal agency within the Department of Defense that manages water infrastructure, including dams and reservoirs, across the United States.

The details

Water is being released from Painted Rock Dam to make room for potential additional rainfall, with flows increased to up to 3,000 cubic-feet per second. The release is expected to continue for about two weeks.

Monday, November 9, 2026: Water release from Painted Rock Dam began.
About two weeks from the release start: Water release is expected to end.

Seasonal Patterns

The release is a flood-control operation at Painted Rock Dam, a Corps of Engineers facility that lowers its reservoir to create storage capacity before potential rainfall. Such releases follow the dam's established role in managing flows on the Gila River.

Drivers should expect the closure of about 13 road crossings along the Gila River between Painted Rock Dam and the Colorado River while the release continues. Check for updates on crossing status before traveling near the river.

The takeaway

River crossings along the Gila River may remain closed for roughly two weeks, so plan alternate routes if you travel in the affected corridor. Conditions can shift with the weather, so monitor updates from local authorities.