Upper Tansil Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 22, 2025

Upper Tansil Dam, located in Carlsbad, New Mexico, along the Pecos River, was completed in 1893 and serves as a crucial water resource for the area.


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Summary

The dam, primarily owned by the local government, has a primary purpose of recreation and boasts a concrete structure with a height of 22 feet and a length of 585 feet. With a normal storage capacity of 550 acre-feet and a maximum storage of 617 acre-feet, the dam plays a significant role in managing water resources in the region.

Despite its historical significance and recreational value, Upper Tansil Dam is facing challenges in terms of its condition assessment, which has been rated as poor. The hazard potential associated with the dam is considered significant, and the risk assessment has been classified as moderate. The dam's last inspection in February 2019 revealed the need for immediate attention and potential risk management measures to ensure the safety and stability of the structure.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts monitor the state-regulated Upper Tansil Dam, it is evident that proactive measures need to be taken to address its poor condition and significant hazard potential. With its critical role in water management and recreation, stakeholders must prioritize the dam's maintenance and risk mitigation strategies to safeguard both the environment and the surrounding communities that rely on its services.

Year Completed

1893

Dam Length

585

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

PECOS RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

43

Drainage Area

18000

Nid Storage

617

Structural Height

31

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

31
       
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.