Acomita Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

Acomita is a federal-owned irrigation structure located in New Mexico, specifically in Cibola County.


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Summary

Managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, this earth dam was completed in 1938 and serves the primary purpose of irrigation, with additional recreational benefits. The dam has a structural height of 40 feet and a length of 930 feet, providing a storage capacity of 650 acre-feet.

The Rio San Jose -TR river is the primary source of water for Acomita, and the dam features a controlled spillway. With a high hazard potential and a very high risk assessment rating, Acomita's emergency action plan was last revised in 2012. Despite not having current condition assessment data available, the dam is inspected every 5 years to ensure its safety and functionality. Acomita remains a vital water resource in the region, contributing to agricultural irrigation and recreational activities for the community.

Owned, funded, designed, constructed, regulated, inspected, and operated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Acomita plays a crucial role in water management in the area. This federally-owned structure is a key component of the local water infrastructure, highlighting the intersection of water resource management, climate resilience, and environmental conservation. As climate change continues to impact water availability and quality, Acomita stands as a testament to the importance of sustainable water resource management practices in ensuring the resilience and well-being of communities in arid regions like New Mexico.

Year Completed

1938

Dam Length

930

River Or Stream

RIO SAN JOSE -TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

650

Structural Height

40

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

40
       
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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