Santa Ana Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

Santa Ana is a federal-owned dam located in Sandoval, New Mexico, managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.


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Summary

Built in 1960, this earth dam stands at a structural height of 24 feet and has a length of 6235 feet, with a storage capacity of 560 acre-feet. The dam is situated on an unnamed wash of the Rio Grande, and its primary purpose and specific functions are not specified in the data.

Despite lacking detailed information on its purposes and core types, Santa Ana is designated as a high hazard potential dam with a very high risk assessment rating. The dam is operated and regulated solely by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, with no state involvement in its inspection, permitting, or enforcement processes. The last inspection of Santa Ana was conducted in August 2012, with an inspection frequency of 5 years, and the condition assessment of the dam is listed as "Not Available." Overall, Santa Ana presents an intriguing case for water resource and climate enthusiasts, highlighting the unique management and risk factors associated with this federal-owned structure in New Mexico.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

6235

River Or Stream

UNNAMED WASH RIO GRANDE -TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

560

Structural Height

24

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

24
       
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.