Lewis Reservoir Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 28, 2025

Lewis Reservoir Dam, located in Colfax, New Mexico, is a privately owned structure primarily used for irrigation purposes.


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Summary

Completed in 1933, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 16 feet and stretches 750 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 156 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the CIMARRONCITO CREEK-OS river system, with a surface area of 30.1 acres and a drainage area of 1 square mile.

Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2014 indicated poor maintenance, highlighting the need for further inspection and potential rehabilitation. The Office of the State Engineer regulates the dam, which undergoes regular inspections every five years. While the risk assessment categorizes the dam as moderate, the structure's risk management measures and emergency action plans are not readily available, raising concerns about preparedness in case of emergencies. Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the preservation and management of historic dams like Lewis Reservoir Dam may find this information intriguing and pertinent to ongoing discussions in the field.

Year Completed

1933

Dam Length

750

Dam Height

16

River Or Stream

CIMARRONCITO CREEK-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

30.1

Drainage Area

1

Nid Storage

156

Structural Height

27

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

27
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.