Pinon Canyon Dam 4 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

Pinon Canyon Dam 4, located in Cuba, New Mexico, is a federal-owned structure managed by the Bureau of Land Management.


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Summary

Completed in 1953, this gravity dam serves the primary purpose of debris control along the Vicente Arroyo Pinon Canon. With a hydraulic height of 28 feet and a structural height of 16 feet, the dam stands at a length of 676 feet and has a storage capacity of 42.3 acre-feet.

Despite its low hazard potential and not being state-regulated, Pinon Canyon Dam 4 plays a crucial role in managing the flow of the river and ensuring debris control in the area. The dam has not been assessed for its condition, but it remains operational under the oversight of the Bureau of Land Management. The surrounding Sandoval County and the City of Cuba benefit from the dam's functions, providing a stable water resource in the region.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the significance of Pinon Canyon Dam 4 in maintaining the ecological balance and safeguarding against potential debris-related hazards. As a part of the larger water management system in New Mexico, this dam exemplifies the collaborative efforts between federal agencies to ensure the safety and sustainability of water resources in the region. Its strategic location and design make it a vital infrastructure for mitigating risks and enhancing water management practices in the area.

Year Completed

1953

Dam Length

676

River Or Stream

VICENTE ARROYO PINON CANON

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

9.5

Hydraulic Height

28

Nid Storage

42.3

Structural Height

16

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

28
       
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.