Abiquiu Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Abiquiu Dam, also known as Abiquiu Lake, is a Federal-owned structure located in Rio Arriba, New Mexico.


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Summary

Completed in 1963, the dam stands at 340 feet high and serves multiple purposes, including flood risk reduction, recreation, and water supply. It holds a maximum storage capacity of 1,369,000 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 3,900 acres. The dam's primary function is to reduce flooding along the Rio Chama, but it also poses risks in case of emergency operations that could lead to downstream flooding, particularly impacting communities along the Rio Grande to Cochiti Lake.

A recent risk assessment in 2019 categorized the dam breach risk as low, with a low likelihood of occurrence during normal operations or extreme events. The assessment identified potential risks related to seepage-induced loss of embankment materials during high lake levels. The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) implements various risk management measures, including routine inspections, assessments, maintenance activities, and risk communication efforts to monitor and mitigate potential hazards. Despite its significant flood risk reduction benefits, the Abiquiu Dam remains a critical structure requiring ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety of downstream communities and infrastructure along the Rio Chama and Rio Grande.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

1800

Dam Height

340

River Or Stream

RIO CHAMA

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

3900

Hydraulic Height

319

Drainage Area

2146

Nid Storage

1369000

Structural Height

354

Outlet Gates

Vertical Lift - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

354
       
Seasonal Comparison

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.