Horse Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Horse Lake Dam, located in Mora, New Mexico, is a privately owned structure primarily used for irrigation purposes along the Mora River.
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Summary
Built in 1935, this earth dam stands at a height of 14 feet and spans 2070 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 552 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is rated as poor, indicating a need for maintenance and repair.
The dam, managed by the Office of the State Engineer in New Mexico, is regulated, inspected, and enforced by state authorities to ensure its safety and functionality. With a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, there are potential risks associated with the structure that require attention. The last inspection of the dam was conducted in November 2014, highlighting the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance to mitigate any potential hazards.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Horse Lake Dam serves as a crucial infrastructure for irrigation in the region, contributing to the agricultural activities along the Mora River. As a privately owned dam with state oversight, its management and maintenance play a vital role in ensuring water security and safety for the surrounding communities. The data on the dam's condition and risk assessment underscore the importance of continued monitoring and investment in infrastructure resilience to adapt to changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1935 |
Dam Length |
2070 |
Dam Height |
14 |
River Or Stream |
MORA RIVER -TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
59 |
Drainage Area |
5.1 |
Nid Storage |
552 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
14 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Mora River At La Cueva
|
13cfs |
Coyote Creek Near Golondrinas
|
6cfs |
Mora River Near Golondrinas
|
18cfs |
Gallinas Creek Near Montezuma
|
10cfs |
Rio Pueblo Nr Penasco
|
27cfs |
Rio Mora Near Terrero
|
11cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Horse Lake Dam