Las Cruces Dam

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Las Cruces Dam, located in Doña Ana, New Mexico, is a crucial structure designed by the US Army Corps of Engineers for flood risk reduction along the Alameda & Las Cruces Arroyos. Completed in 1975, this earth dam stands at a height of 67 feet with a structural height of 85 feet and a length of 15,570 feet. With a storage capacity of 13,200 acre-feet and a surface area of 550 acres, the dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding areas from potential flooding events.

Managed by the local government and regulated by the Office of the State Engineer, Las Cruces Dam is subject to regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety. The dam has a high hazard potential but is currently assessed as being in satisfactory condition. With a maximum discharge capacity of 30,400 cubic feet per second, the dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway that is 400 feet wide. Despite its moderate risk level, Las Cruces Dam remains a key component of the region's water resource and climate management infrastructure, safeguarding the community against the impacts of extreme weather events.

Named after the city of Las Cruces, this vital flood risk reduction structure plays a crucial role in mitigating the potential impacts of flooding in the area. With a history of effective operation and maintenance, Las Cruces Dam continues to serve as a reliable defense against the threat of inundation, highlighting the importance of proactive water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.