Upper Penasco Site 1

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Upper Penasco Site 1, also known as Bear Creek Dam, is a flood risk reduction structure located in Mayhill, New Mexico. Built in 1960 by USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at 48 feet high and spans 620 feet in length. It has a storage capacity of 164 acre-feet and is designed to mitigate the potential hazards posed by Bear Creek during heavy rainfall events.

Managed by the Office of the State Engineer, Upper Penasco Site 1 is subject to regular inspections, with the last assessment conducted in January 2018 revealing a poor condition assessment and a high hazard potential. Despite its structural shortcomings, the dam continues to serve its primary purpose of flood risk reduction for the surrounding area, with a moderate risk level of 3 assigned to it. The dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, contributing to its functionality in managing water flow and protecting downstream areas from potential inundation.

As an essential component of water resource management in Otero County, Upper Penasco Site 1 plays a crucial role in safeguarding the local community from the impacts of flooding events. With its strategic location on Bear Creek and its capacity to store excess water during peak flow periods, this dam exemplifies the importance of infrastructure in climate resilience and disaster preparedness efforts. Despite its aging infrastructure and maintenance challenges, the dam continues to be a key asset in the region's overall flood risk management strategy.