Cutter Reservoir Report
Nearby: Navajo Navajo Reservoir
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
Cutter is a federally-owned irrigation dam located in Blanco, New Mexico, along the Navajo Main Canal.
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Summary
Built in 1972 by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Cutter stands at a structural height of 145 feet and has a storage capacity of 1793 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is irrigation, with additional recreational opportunities available. The dam's spillway is controlled, and it has a high hazard potential, with a very high risk assessment rating.
The dam is managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which also funded its construction and oversees its regulatory and inspection activities. Despite its high hazard potential, Cutter's condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Available." The last inspection was conducted in February 2012, with a recommended inspection frequency of every five years. The emergency action plan for Cutter was last revised in July 2005, and it is noted that the dam meets guidelines, although details on inundation maps and risk management measures are not provided.
Overall, Cutter serves as a vital water resource for irrigation in the region, despite its high hazard potential. As a significant structure managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, ongoing monitoring and maintenance are crucial to ensure the safety and reliability of the dam. Climate and water resource enthusiasts interested in the management and maintenance of irrigation infrastructure would find Cutter's data and risk assessment to be of particular interest, highlighting the importance of proactive risk management in safeguarding critical water resources.
Year Completed |
1972 |
Dam Length |
960 |
River Or Stream |
NAVAJO MAIN CANAL |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Nid Storage |
1793 |
Structural Height |
145 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Nid Height |
145 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
San Juan River Near Archuleta
|
280cfs |
Animas River Below Aztec
|
281cfs |
Los Pinos River At La Boca
|
40cfs |
Spring Creek At La Boca
|
40cfs |
Animas River Near Cedar Hill
|
260cfs |
Florida River At Bondad
|
-888cfs |
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Cottonwood - Navajo Lake State Park
|
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Simon Canyon Dispersed
|
||
Pine River - Navajo Lake State Park
|
||
Sims Mesa - Navajo Lake State Park
|
Cutter
Navajo Reservoir