Jemez Canyon Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
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.
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Summary
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.
Year Completed |
1953 |
Dam Length |
870 |
Dam Height |
149 |
River Or Stream |
JEMEZ RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1396 |
Hydraulic Height |
146 |
Drainage Area |
1034 |
Nid Storage |
264700 |
Structural Height |
150 |
Outlet Gates |
Vertical Lift - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
150 |
Seasonal Comparison
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.
Jemez Canyon Dam
Jemez Canyon Reservoir