Caballo Arroyo Dam No. 5 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 11, 2025

Caballo Arroyo Dam No.


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Summary

5, also known as Hammet Dam, is a local government-owned structure located in Doña Ana, New Mexico. Built in 1960 by the USDA NRCS, this earth-type dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Hammett Arroyo. With a height of 31 feet and a length of 1570 feet, the dam has a storage capacity of 272 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 3038 cubic feet per second.

Despite its significant hazard potential and poor condition assessment, Caballo Arroyo Dam No. 5 remains regulated by the Office of the State Engineer in New Mexico. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 150 feet and is inspected every five years. With a moderate risk rating, the dam poses potential risks that call for effective risk management measures. Its location in the Hatch city area makes it a crucial infrastructure for flood control and water resource management in the region, overseen by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

1570

Dam Height

31

River Or Stream

HAMMETT ARROYO

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Hydraulic Height

28

Drainage Area

1.98

Nid Storage

272

Structural Height

40

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 0

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

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.