Elephant Butte Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Elephant Butte, located in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, is a federal dam on the Rio Grande River managed by the Bureau of Reclamation.


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Summary

Built in 1915, this concrete dam stands at a height of 301 feet and serves multiple purposes including flood risk reduction, hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, and recreation. With a storage capacity of over 2.5 million acre-feet, Elephant Butte plays a crucial role in water resource management in the region.

The dam's strategic location and design make it a vital infrastructure for the surrounding area, with a maximum discharge capacity of 47,500 cubic feet per second and a surface area of 42,750 acres. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, Elephant Butte has undergone structural modifications in 1985 to ensure its continued safety and functionality. The dam's risk assessment ranks it as very high, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and management to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the safety of downstream communities.

Elephant Butte is not only a key player in flood control and water storage but also a popular recreational spot for locals and tourists alike. Its impressive size and historical significance make it a fascinating site for water resource and climate enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the engineering marvel that is Elephant Butte.

Years Modified

1985 - Structural

Year Completed

1915

Dam Length

1674

Dam Height

301

River Or Stream

RIO GRANDE RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Concrete

Surface Area

42750

Hydraulic Height

210

Drainage Area

28900

Nid Storage

2593255

Structural Height

301

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

301
       
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.