Jemez Canyon Dam, also known as Jemez Canyon Reservoir, is a Federal-owned structure in Bernalillo, New Mexico, managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Completed in 1953, the dam serves primarily for flood risk reduction along the Jemez River, with a capacity of 264,700 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 319,300 cubic feet per second. The dam stands at 150 feet tall and 870 feet long, with a surface area of 1,396 acres.

Despite its successful flood risk reduction efforts, the Jemez Canyon Dam project still poses a high hazard potential due to the possibility of uncontrolled spillway flow during emergency operations. A risk assessment conducted in 2015 identified a moderate annual probability of dam breach due to spillway erosion, which could lead to catastrophic downstream damages to communities along the Rio Grande to Elephant Butte Lake. To manage this risk, the US Army Corps of Engineers implements various measures such as routine inspections, maintenance activities, and risk communication efforts to ensure the safety and integrity of the dam and surrounding areas.

In conclusion, while Jemez Canyon Dam plays a crucial role in flood risk reduction in the region, the potential for a dam breach during extreme events remains a concern. Through ongoing risk management measures and maintenance activities, the US Army Corps of Engineers strives to mitigate these risks and ensure the safety of the communities downstream of the dam. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, staying informed about the dam's condition and emergency action plans is vital to understanding and addressing potential risks associated with this important infrastructure.