Caballo Arroyo Dam No. 2 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 7, 2025
Caballo Arroyo Dam No.
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Summary
2, also known as Wasson Dam, is a crucial structure located in Doña Ana, New Mexico, designed by the USDA NRCS and completed in 1959. This earth dam stands at a height of 22.6 feet, with a structural height of 32 feet, serving primarily for flood risk reduction along the Wasson Arroyo. Owned by the local government and regulated by the Office of the State Engineer, this dam plays a vital role in controlling water flow and protecting the surrounding area from potential hazards.
With a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment as of March 2019, Caballo Arroyo Dam No. 2 requires regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its structural integrity. Despite its moderate risk assessment, this dam poses a significant importance in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in the region. The presence of an uncontrolled spillway and slide gate outlet system further highlights the critical role this dam plays in safeguarding the community and surrounding lands from potential water-related emergencies.
As a key component in the flood risk reduction infrastructure of Doña Ana, New Mexico, Caballo Arroyo Dam No. 2 stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between local government and federal agencies like the USDA NRCS. With its strategic location along the Wasson Arroyo and its significant storage capacity, this dam serves as a crucial asset in water resource management and climate resilience efforts in the region. Regular monitoring and maintenance of this essential structure are essential to ensuring its continued effectiveness in protecting the community and environment from potential water-related risks.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
1112 |
Dam Height |
22.6 |
River Or Stream |
WASSON ARROYO |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
24.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Drainage Area |
1.3 |
Nid Storage |
160.5 |
Structural Height |
32 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
32 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Caballo Arroyo Dam No. 2
Caballo Reservoir