Round Mountain Detention Dam 3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Round Mountain Detention Dam 3, located in Hidalgo, New Mexico, is a gravity dam designed by the Bureau of Land Management to primarily reduce flood risks along Railroad Wash.


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Summary

Completed in 1956, this dam stands at a structural height of 41 feet and has a hydraulic height of 38 feet, with a length of 1176 feet. It has a normal storage capacity of 460 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 1918 cubic feet per second. Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam is assessed to be in fair condition and is inspected every five years.

Managed and funded by the Bureau of Land Management, Round Mountain Detention Dam 3 serves as a crucial infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the area. With its uncontrolled spillway and moderate risk assessment level, the dam plays a key role in managing water resources and protecting the surrounding community from potential inundation events. Its location in Duncan, AZ, near the Los Angeles District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, highlights its strategic importance in the region.

As an essential part of water resource management, Round Mountain Detention Dam 3 contributes to the overall resilience of the area against natural disasters. With its historical significance dating back to the mid-20th century, the dam continues to serve its purpose effectively, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents in Hidalgo, New Mexico. Its design and construction by the Bureau of Land Management emphasize the importance of collaboration between federal agencies in maintaining critical infrastructure for climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction efforts.

Year Completed

1956

Dam Length

1176

River Or Stream

RAILROAD WASH

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

64

Hydraulic Height

38

Drainage Area

36

Nid Storage

460

Structural Height

41

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

41
       
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.