The East Catchment Basin Dam, located in Eddy, New Mexico, is a privately owned structure regulated by the Office of the State Engineer. Built for tailings purposes, this earth dam stands at a height of 33 feet and spans a length of 2840 feet, with a storage capacity of 760 acre-feet. Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, the dam remains in operation and under regular inspection by state authorities.
With a surface area of 54.1 acres, the East Catchment Basin Dam presents a moderate risk level and lacks an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) meeting guidelines. The last inspection in February 2019 highlighted the need for improved risk management measures due to its significant hazard potential. The dam's location in a rural area underscores the importance of maintaining its structural integrity and ensuring its compliance with state regulations for the safety of nearby communities and the surrounding environment. Water resource and climate enthusiasts may find the East Catchment Basin Dam an intriguing case study in dam management and risk assessment.