Upper Penasco Site 3a
April 30, 2024
Upper Penasco Site 3a, also known as Graveyard Canyon Dam, is a flood risk reduction structure located in Otero, New Mexico. Built in 1959 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 51 feet and has a hydraulic height of 50 feet, with a structural height of 52 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 64.3 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 3.6 acres, serving the purpose of flood risk reduction on the Graveyard Canyon stream.
Despite its critical role in flood risk management, Upper Penasco Site 3a is considered to have a high hazard potential with a poor condition assessment as of its last inspection in April 2019. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 100 feet and can discharge a maximum of 1300 cubic feet per second. It is regulated and inspected by the Office of the State Engineer in New Mexico, with a moderate risk assessment rating of 3.
As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and upkeep of dams like Upper Penasco Site 3a will be crucial in ensuring the safety and resilience of communities in the face of increasing flood risks. With its history dating back to the late 1950s, this dam serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for proactive management and investment in infrastructure to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
| Year_Completed | 1959 |
| Dam_Height | 51 |
| River_Or_Stream | GRAVEYARD CANYON |
| Dam_Length | 241 |
| Primary_Dam_Type | Earth |
| Surface_Area | 3.6 |
| Hydraulic_Height | 50 |
| Drainage_Area | 1.3 |
| Nid_Storage | 64.3 |
| Structural_Height | 52 |
| Outlet_Gates | Uncontrolled - 0 |
| Hazard_Potential | High |
| Foundations | Unlisted/Unknown |
| Nid_Height | 52 |
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