Challenges of Managing Navajo Reservoir

Summary

This is an abstract from the "Managing Water, Protecting Heritage: Bureau of Reclamation Undertakings in the American West" session, at the 90th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

Reclamation constructed Navajo Dam from 1958 to 1961, creating Navajo Reservoir. Consequently, Pueblo I habitations that were formerly lining river corridors became archaeological sites situated on the 159 miles of reservoir shoreline. This paper examines current actions involved with managing aging infrastructure, reservoir level fluctuations and site exposure, and NAGPRA implementation, from the perspective of a water management agency. Balancing dam safety, water rights, recreation, and protection of cultural resources in the four corners region involves legal compliance, working partnerships, and close coordination with Native American Tribes.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 90th Annual Meeting, Denver, CO (2025)   •
• Managing Water, Protecting Heritage: Bureau of Reclamation Undertakings in the American West

Keywords

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 51169