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. 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.