FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESCOTT, AZ (November 1, 2026) – The City of Prescott activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) this morning at 8:00 AM in response to significant flooding resulting from rainfall in excess of forecasted amounts. The EOC has been coordinating the City’s emergency response efforts across all departments, and standby crews are on the job.
The National Weather Service issued a Flood Watch for Yavapai County on Thursday, October 29, effective from Saturday evening through late Sunday night, warning of flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall on already saturated ground.
In advance of the storms, the City’s Public Works Department proactively managed water release from Watson Lake, opening the 36-inch release valve and the crosscut channel to Willow Lake to lower reservoir levels and create capacity for incoming stormwater.
Despite these precautions, Watson Lake Dam (Granite Dam) overtopped on Sunday, November 1. The dam is rated for water to flow up to 10 feet over the top, and city staff are continuously monitoring the dam for any structural concerns. Water flow into Watson Lake peaked at over 4,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) due to two and three times the normal runoff from saturated conditions, particularly from the mountains. As of this release, flows have decreased to approximately 1,680 cfs.
Upper Goldwater Reservoir has also topped. Lower Goldwater Reservoir is being closely monitored. Willow Lake Dam remains 7.5 feet below the spillway with no structural concerns.
Mayor Cathey Rusing has proclaimed a state of emergency. The City is coordinating closely with Yavapai County and the State of Arizona.
Road and Low Water Crossing Closures
All low water crossings in the city are closed.
Current road closures include:
- 6th St
- Sonora Dr at Campbell St
- S Granite St between W Aubrey St and W Leroux St
- Walden Rd off White Spar Rd
- Brannen Ave at Miller Valley Rd
Low water crossing closures:
- 1st St @ Merritt
- 6th St
- Goodwin @ Rush St
- Hillside @ 2nd St
- Horizon Hill Dr
- Jack Drive
- Pleasant Valley Dr
- Joseph St @ Cherry Dr
- Leroux @ S Granite St
- Lincoln @ Grove
- Mayo @ Oregon
- Middlebrook (near Hyland)
Several traffic signals have gone out throughout the day. Residents are urged to treat all non-functioning traffic signals as four-way stops and to exercise caution when traveling.
Granite Creek Park has also been closed.
Sandbag Availability
Sandbags and sand are available at the following locations:
- White Spar Fire Station
333 White Spar Road - Airport Fire Station
1980 Club House Drive, near the airport - CAFMA Fire Station 51 at Iron Springs/Williamson Valley
1700 Iron Springs Road
Please bring your own shovel. Residents are responsible for filling their own sandbags at the pickup locations.
Shelter Information
Yavapai County and the American Red Cross have established a shelter for anyone displaced by flood water. The shelter is located at the Yavapai College Prescott Campus Gymnasium at 1100 E Sheldon, Prescott, AZ 86301.
Non-Emergency Contact
Non-emergency calls related to flooding should be directed to the Yavapai County Emergency Management phone bank 928-442-5103.
For life-threatening emergencies, call 911.
Airport Operations
Airport operations have not been impacted. Flights remain on time.
Stay Informed
The City’s EOC is active and social media messaging is being distributed. Residents are urged to follow official City channels for updates and to avoid all flooded roadways and low water crossings. Turn around, don’t drown.
For questions and information contact Danielle Trotter, Public Engagement Manager at 928.777.1401 Ext. 4804 | danielle.trotter@prescott-az.gov
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