Caballo Arroyo Dam No. 4 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 11, 2025
Caballo Arroyo Dam No.
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Summary
4, also known as Wardy Hedgecock Dam, is a local government-owned structure located in Hatch, New Mexico. Built in 1960 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet and spans a length of 3150 feet, serving primarily as a flood risk reduction measure for the Wardy & Hedgecock Arroyos. The dam has a storage capacity of 351 acre-feet and a drainage area of 3.41 square miles, with a maximum discharge rate of 3156 cubic feet per second.
Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, Caballo Arroyo Dam No. 4 is regulated, inspected, and permitted by the Office of the State Engineer in New Mexico. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 150 feet and is equipped with slide gates for outlet control. With a moderate risk rating and a five-year inspection frequency, the dam poses a potential risk to downstream areas in the event of a failure. While the dam's emergency action plan status and risk management measures are unclear, stakeholders should remain vigilant about the dam's condition and preparedness for potential emergencies.
Year Completed |
1960 |
Dam Length |
3150 |
Dam Height |
21 |
River Or Stream |
WARDY & HEDGECOCK ARROYOS |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Drainage Area |
3.41 |
Nid Storage |
351 |
Structural Height |
29 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
29 |
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. 4