Cabresto Dam, located in Questa, New Mexico, on Lake Fork Creek, is a vital water resource infrastructure managed by the local government.
Wind
Humidity
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 |
Red River Near Questa
|
17cfs |
Red River Below Fish Hatchery
|
38cfs |
Rio Grande Near Cerro
|
470cfs |
Rio Hondo Near Valdez
|
8cfs |
Costilla Creek Below Costilla Dam
|
1cfs |
Costilla Creek Near Costilla
|
11cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Cabresto Lake
|
||
Cabresto Lake Campground
|
||
La Bobita Campground
|
||
Fawn Lakes Campground
|
||
Fawn Lakes
|
||
Elephant Rock Campground
|