Heron Dike Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Heron Dike, located in Rio Arriba, New Mexico, along Willow Creek, is a key Federal structure managed by the Bureau of Reclamation for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Built in 1971, this earth dam stands at 94 feet high and has a storage capacity of 429,646 acre-feet, serving as a vital water supply source for the region. Despite its high hazard potential and condition assessment being unavailable, Heron Dike plays a crucial role in water management in the area.

With a hydraulic height of 85 feet and a surface area of 6,148 acres, Heron Dike provides essential water resources for irrigation and water supply needs. The dam's primary owner, the Bureau of Reclamation, is responsible for its design, construction, regulation, and operation, ensuring its structural integrity and safety. Although it lacks a spillway, the dam's risk assessment is categorized as high, highlighting the importance of continued monitoring and management to prevent potential hazards.

In the event of an emergency, the dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is expected to meet guidelines, with the last revision dated back to October 2019. As a critical infrastructure for water management in the region, Heron Dike underscores the importance of proactive risk management and maintenance to safeguard water resources and protect against potential risks associated with high hazard structures like this one.

Year Completed

1971

Dam Length

2405

Dam Height

94

River Or Stream

WILLOW CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6148

Hydraulic Height

85

Drainage Area

193

Nid Storage

429646

Structural Height

94

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

94
       
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.
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Area Campgrounds