Nambe Falls Reservoir Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Nambe Falls Reservoir is a man-made lake located in Santa Fe County, New Mexico.


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Summary

Construction of the dam began in 1963 and was completed in 1976. The reservoir has a capacity of 3,000 acre-feet and serves as a vital water source for the surrounding communities. It is fed by surface flows from the Nambe River and by snowpack from the surrounding Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The reservoir supports agricultural irrigation and recreational activities such as fishing, camping, and boating. The area is also home to the Nambe Pueblo, a Native American community, who use the water for cultural and irrigation purposes. The reservoir has faced challenges in recent years due to drought conditions in the region, leading to restrictions on water usage.

Reservoir Details

Storage 24hr Change 0.13%
Percent of Normal 106%
Minimum 384.0 acre-ft
1981-08-10
Maximum 2,059.0 acre-ft
1979-06-08
Average 1,402 acre-ft
Dam_Height 150
Hydraulic_Height 135
Drainage_Area 34
Year_Completed 1975
Nid_Storage 2601
Hazard_Potential High
Structural_Height 150
River_Or_Stream RIO NAMBE RIVER
Foundations Rock
Surface_Area 59
Dam_Length 1021
Primary_Dam_Type Concrete
Nid_Height 150
       
Seasonal Comparison
Water Surface Elevation Levels
Storage Levels
Pool Elevation Levels
Total Release 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.