Santa Cruz Site 3a Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Located in Chimayo, New Mexico, the Santa Cruz Site 3a Dam is a crucial structure designed by the USDA NRCS to mitigate flood risks along the Santa Cruz River.


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Summary

Completed in 1972, this earth dam stands at 53.5 feet high and spans 3,260 feet in length, offering flood risk reduction to the local community. While the dam has a storage capacity of 1,640 acre-feet, its normal storage remains at zero, highlighting its focus on flood control rather than water storage.

Despite its importance in flood risk reduction, the Santa Cruz Site 3a Dam faces challenges in terms of its condition assessment, with a poor rating and a high hazard potential. The last inspection in 2016 revealed these concerns, prompting the need for further evaluation and potential maintenance to ensure the dam's structural integrity. With its location in a high-risk area and a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam serves as a reminder of the critical role of water resource management and climate resilience in safeguarding communities against natural disasters.

Year Completed

1972

Dam Length

3260

Dam Height

53.5

River Or Stream

SANTA CRUZ RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

2.19

Nid Storage

1640

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

54
       
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.