Cabresto Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cabresto Dam, located in Questa, New Mexico, on Lake Fork Creek, is a vital water resource infrastructure managed by the local government.


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Summary

Built in 2012, this earth dam stands at 78 feet high and serves primarily for irrigation purposes, with additional recreational benefits. The dam has a storage capacity of 1,442 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 28.9 acres, supporting an 8.9 square mile drainage area.

With a high hazard potential but a satisfactory condition assessment as of June 2019, Cabresto Dam is regulated and inspected by the Office of the State Engineer in New Mexico. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 71 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 17,579 cubic feet per second. Despite its high hazard potential, the risk assessment for Cabresto Dam is moderate, with risk management measures in place to ensure the safety and functionality of the structure. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the engineering and environmental considerations demonstrated in the design and operation of Cabresto Dam.

Year Completed

2012

Dam Length

218

Dam Height

78

River Or Stream

LAKE FORK CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

28.9

Hydraulic Height

77

Drainage Area

8.9

Nid Storage

1442

Structural Height

67.5

Outlet Gates

Slide (sluice gate) - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock, Soil

Nid Height

78
       
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.