Red Lake dam
Red Lake
Red Lake, located in McKinley County, New Mexico, is a federal-owned reservoir with a primary purpose of irrigation. Managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, this earth dam structure was completed in 1895 and has a structural height of 30 feet and a length of 2600 feet. The reservoir has a normal storage capacity of 11,340 acre-feet and is situated along Black Creek in Ft. Defiance. Red Lake is a key resource for irrigation and recreation in the region, serving as a vital water source for the surrounding area.
Despite its importance, Red Lake poses a high hazard potential due to its condition assessment, which is currently not available. The reservoir has a very high risk rating and is in need of regular inspections, with the last recorded inspection dating back to March 2012. While the emergency action plan status and risk management measures are not specified, it is crucial for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor and advocate for the upkeep and safety of Red Lake to ensure its continued functionality and sustainability for future generations.
Given its historical significance and critical role in irrigation, Red Lake serves as a focal point for water resource and climate enthusiasts to engage with federal agencies and local stakeholders in safeguarding its infrastructure and water supply. As an essential reservoir in the region, Red Lake presents opportunities for collaboration and advocacy to address its high hazard potential and risk assessment. By staying informed and involved in monitoring the reservoir's condition and emergency preparedness, enthusiasts can contribute to the long-term resilience and preservation of this valuable water resource against the backdrop of changing climate patterns and environmental challenges.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Red Lake -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Rio Nutria Near Ramah | 0 cfs | → |
| Puerco River Near Chambers | 662 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Red Lake.
Campgrounds
- Camp Asaayi
- Wheatfields Lake
- Free Campground In Canyon De Chelly Nm
- Spider Rock Campground
- Spider Rock Campground (Private)
Paddle runs
More reservoirs
Track Red Lake in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Red Lake
Where does the data for Red Lake come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Red Lake.