Stanford Detention Dam 3 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Stanford Detention Dam 3, located in Hidalgo, New Mexico, was completed in 1954 by the Bureau of Land Management as a gravity dam on Railroad Wash for the primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
This Federal-owned structure stands at a hydraulic height of 20 feet and a structural height of 25 feet, with a length of 826 feet and a storage capacity of 142.5 acre-feet. Despite its age, the dam is assessed to be in fair condition with a low hazard potential and moderate risk level.
With a spillway type classified as uncontrolled, Stanford Detention Dam 3 has a maximum discharge capacity of 1401.3 cubic feet per second and a surface area of 19 acres. The dam's location in Duncan, AZ, and its association with the Bureau of Land Management make it a significant piece of infrastructure in the region. Although last inspected in 2015, the dam is scheduled for inspections every five years to ensure its continued safety and effectiveness in managing flood risks in the area. For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Stanford Detention Dam 3 is an important structure to monitor in the ongoing efforts to mitigate flooding impacts in the region.
Year Completed |
1954 |
Dam Length |
826 |
River Or Stream |
RAILROAD WASH |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
19 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
3 |
Nid Storage |
142.5 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Gila River Below Blue Creek
|
67cfs |
Gila River At Duncan
|
55cfs |
Gila River Near Redrock
|
75cfs |
Gila River Near Clifton
|
66cfs |
Gila River At Head Of Safford Valley
|
94cfs |
San Francisco River At Clifton
|
14cfs |
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.
Stanford Detention Dam 3
Gila