Flanders Detention Dam

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Flanders Detention Dam, located in Socorro, New Mexico, is a federally owned structure managed by the Bureau of Land Management with a primary purpose of debris control along the RIO PUERCO Tributary. Built in 1970, this gravity dam stands at a hydraulic height of 21 feet and a structural height of 26 feet, with a total length of 443 feet. With a storage capacity of 15.5 acre-feet and a surface area of 12.6 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water resource management in the region.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Flanders Detention Dam undergoes inspections every five years to assess its condition and ensure its safety and functionality. While the dam is not currently rated for its condition, it remains an essential infrastructure for maintaining the health and stability of the surrounding environment. With no regulatory oversight from the state, the Bureau of Land Management continues to fund and operate the dam, highlighting the critical role of federal agencies in managing water resources and climate-related risks in the region.

As a key component in the water resource infrastructure of New Mexico, Flanders Detention Dam serves as a testament to the ongoing efforts to control debris and mitigate potential hazards in the area. With its design rooted in gravity principles and constructed with buttress and stone core types, the dam stands as a vital structure for safeguarding against natural disasters and supporting the sustainable management of water resources. The dam's strategic location and operational oversight by the Bureau of Land Management underscore the importance of federal involvement in maintaining and regulating essential water management infrastructure in the face of changing climate patterns and environmental challenges.