Navajo Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 22, 2025

Navajo is a federally owned dam located in San Juan, New Mexico, along the San Juan River.


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Summary

Completed in 1962 by the Bureau of Reclamation, this Earth-type dam stands at an impressive height of 402 feet and spans 3648 feet in length. With a storage capacity of 1,986,600 acre-feet and a surface area of 19,000 acres, Navajo serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, irrigation, and recreation. The dam is operated and maintained by the Bureau of Reclamation, ensuring its structural integrity and safety.

Despite its high hazard potential, Navajo has a moderate risk assessment rating and is considered to have a stable condition. The dam has an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 132 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 34,000 cubic feet per second. Although the condition assessment is not available, regular inspections are conducted by the Bureau of Reclamation to ensure the dam's safety and functionality. With its strategic location and significant storage capacity, Navajo plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region, making it a vital asset for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor and study.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

3648

Dam Height

402

River Or Stream

SAN JUAN RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

19000

Hydraulic Height

382

Drainage Area

3190

Nid Storage

1986600

Structural Height

402

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

402
       
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.