Costilla Dam, located in Taos, New Mexico, along the Rio Costilla, is a privately-owned structure with a primary purpose of irrigation.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1920 by the USBR, this earth dam stands at a height of 137.5 feet and has a storage capacity of 30,499 acre-feet. The dam has a surface area of 416 acres and serves a drainage area of 55 square miles.
Despite being regulated by the Office of the State Engineer and undergoing regular inspections, Costilla Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential with a fair condition assessment. The dam's spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 35 feet, and it has a maximum discharge of 20,200 cubic feet per second. With a risk assessment rating of moderate, there is a need for ongoing risk management measures to ensure the safety and integrity of this essential water resource infrastructure for the surrounding community and environment.
Year Completed |
1920 |
Dam Length |
780 |
Dam Height |
137.5 |
River Or Stream |
RIO COSTILLA |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
416 |
Hydraulic Height |
108 |
Drainage Area |
55 |
Nid Storage |
30499 |
Structural Height |
137.5 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
138 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Little Costilla Camp
|
||
Ash Mountain Camp
|
||
Little Costilla Low Impact Camp
|
||
Cimarron Campground
|
||
NFS Cimarron Campground
|
||
McCrystal Creek Camp
|