Las Uvas Detention Dam #5 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 23, 2025

Las Uvas Detention Dam #5, located in Las Cruces, New Mexico, is a federally owned structure managed by the Bureau of Land Management.


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Summary

Built in 1958, this gravity dam primarily serves the purpose of debris control on the Coyote Canyon river. With a structural height of 33 feet and a hydraulic height of 27 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 140 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 50 acres.

Despite being categorized as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment was marked as unsatisfactory during its last inspection in April 2016. The risk assessment for Las Uvas Detention Dam #5 indicates a moderate risk level. It lacks emergency action plans and updated contact information, raising concerns about its preparedness for potential incidents. The dam does not fall under state jurisdiction or regulation, with all aspects of its ownership, design, construction, and maintenance being overseen by the Bureau of Land Management.

Las Uvas Detention Dam #5 stands as a critical structure for managing water resources and mitigating debris flow in the region. Its historical significance and functional importance demonstrate the ongoing need for proper maintenance and risk management to ensure the safety and effectiveness of this essential water resource infrastructure.

Year Completed

1958

Dam Length

1200

River Or Stream

COYOTE CANYON

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

50

Hydraulic Height

27

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

140

Structural Height

33

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

33
       
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.