Lake Maloya Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lake Maloya Dam, located in Colfax, New Mexico, stands as a vital water resource for unincorporated residents in the area.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

Built in 1914, this earth dam has a height of 110 feet and a hydraulic height of 100 feet, providing a storage capacity of 5030 acre-feet. With a surface area of 147.3 acres and a drainage area of 21.26 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in water supply for the region.

Despite its historical significance, Lake Maloya Dam presents a high hazard potential with a poor condition assessment as of its last inspection in May 2017. The spillway type for the dam is uncontrolled, with a spillway width of 235 feet. The dam's outlet gates are equipped with a valve, and its maximum discharge capacity is 11,570 cubic feet per second. The dam's risk assessment is considered moderate, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and risk management measures.

Managed by the Office of the State Engineer, Lake Maloya Dam serves as a key infrastructure for water regulation in the region. With its significant storage capacity and contribution to water supply, the dam's maintenance and inspection are crucial to ensure the safety and sustainability of this essential resource for the local community.

Year Completed

1914

Dam Length

1250

Dam Height

110

River Or Stream

CHICORICA CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

147.3

Hydraulic Height

100

Drainage Area

21.26

Nid Storage

5030

Outlet Gates

Valve - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

110
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.