Caballo Reservoir Reservoir Report

Last Updated: November 18, 2025

Caballo Reservoir is a water storage facility located in southern New Mexico, constructed in 1938 by the Bureau of Reclamation.


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Summary

The reservoir has a capacity of 220,000 acre-feet and is primarily fed by the Rio Grande river. The hydrology of Caballo Reservoir is dependent on surface flow from the Rio Grande and snowpack from the surrounding mountains. The reservoir provides water for agricultural irrigation and municipal use in the surrounding areas, and is also used for recreational activities such as boating and fishing. Some of the major snowpack providers for Caballo Reservoir include the Black Range, Sierra Blanca, and San Andres Mountains. The reservoir has played a significant role in the development of the area's agricultural industry, and continues to provide critical water resources for the region.

Reservoir Details

Storage 24hr Change 0.0%
Percent of Normal 30%
Minimum 118.0 acre-ft
1938-10-14
Maximum 346,570.0 acre-ft
1942-03-04
Average 49,965 acre-ft
Nid_Height 110
Hydraulic_Height 78
Primary_Dam_Type Rockfill
Drainage_Area 1300
Years_Modified 1993 - Structural, 2002 - Hydraulic, 2002 - Mechanical, 2002 - Seismic
Year_Completed 1937
Dam_Height 96
Structural_Height 110
Foundations Rock
Surface_Area 14530
Nid_Storage 379210
River_Or_Stream RIO GRANDE RIVER
Dam_Length 4558
Hazard_Potential High
       
Seasonal Comparison
Storage Levels
Storage Levels
Pool Elevation Levels
Total Release Levels
Inflow Levels

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.