Heavy rains over the weekend battered central Arizona, delivering more than two inches of precipitation that swelled Tonto Creek near Roosevelt Lake. The surge pushed water levels from about four feet late Saturday night to roughly sixteen feet by Sunday afternoon, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Hatchery damage and closures
Wayne Jones, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) hatchery program administrator, reported that every state fish hatchery experienced some impact, but the Tonto Creek Hatchery, located northeast of Payson, suffered the most severe damage. Video and photos released by the department show floodwaters rushing into the hatchery’s feed room and bunkhouse, and washing out the access road that staff use to reach the facility.
“We got some major washouts on the Spring Road, exposed our spring line,” Jones said. “We had some flooding in the hatchery building in the feed room there.” The road below the hatchery was also washed out, limiting staff mobility and prompting the department to close the hatchery to the public.
Safety of staff and fish
All hatchery workers were on duty when the waters arrived, but the department confirmed that everyone made it out safely and no staff members were injured. Jones emphasized that the fish themselves remain unharmed. “We didn’t have any issues with any of the rearing infrastructure,” he said. “The raceways holding thousands of fish remain intact at this time, and there has been no effect on fish stockings.”
AZGFD operates six hatcheries across the state, collectively producing an average of 400,000 pounds of fish each year—about three million fish stocked at 118 locations statewide. The hatcheries raise a variety of salmonids as well as some largemouth bass.
Future flood‑prevention plans
State officials noted that renovation projects were already underway at several hatchery sites. In light of the recent flooding, the department is now evaluating the addition of flood‑prevention measures to those plans, aiming to safeguard both infrastructure and the valuable fish populations they support.
Two other AZGFD hatcheries are currently closed to the public, and two more reported minor rain‑related impacts. Hatchery staff continue to monitor water levels at all locations and coordinate response efforts as conditions evolve.
Community impact
The temporary closures affect anglers and families who visit the hatcheries for recreation and education. AZGFD encourages the public to stay informed about reopening dates and to respect any access restrictions while crews work to restore safe conditions.
For updates on hatchery operations and future flood‑mitigation plans, residents can follow the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s official channels.
Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.
