Elephant Butte Reservoir Reservoir Report
Nearby: Elephant Butte Dike St. Anne's Dam
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Elephant Butte Reservoir, located in southern New Mexico, was created in 1916 by the damming of the Rio Grande.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The reservoir has a storage capacity of 2.2 million acre-feet and is the largest reservoir in the state. The hydrology of the reservoir is primarily fed by snow melt and surface flow from the Rio Grande, as well as irrigation runoff from nearby agricultural fields. The reservoir provides water for agricultural and recreational uses, including boating, fishing, and camping. The snowpack providers for the reservoir include the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges, while the surface flow is mainly provided by the Rio Grande and its tributaries. The reservoir plays a vital role in supplying water to the surrounding areas, as well as the downstream agricultural lands and cities in Texas and Mexico.
Reservoir Details
| Storage 24hr Change | 0.0% |
| Percent of Normal | 16% |
| Minimum |
9,900.0 acre-ft
1954-08-06 |
| Maximum |
2,302,800.0 acre-ft
1942-06-16 |
| Average | 811,491 acre-ft |
| Nid_Height | 301 |
| Hydraulic_Height | 210 |
| Primary_Dam_Type | Concrete |
| Drainage_Area | 28900 |
| Years_Modified | 1985 - Structural |
| Year_Completed | 1915 |
| Dam_Height | 301 |
| Structural_Height | 301 |
| River_Or_Stream | RIO GRANDE RIVER |
| Foundations | Rock |
| Surface_Area | 42750 |
| Hazard_Potential | High |
| Nid_Storage | 2593255 |
| Dam_Length | 1674 |
Seasonal Comparison
Storage Levels
Storage Levels
Pool Elevation Levels
Total Release Levels
Inflow Levels
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Elephant Butte