Nichols Dam, located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, stands as a critical water supply structure designed by Meurer, Serafini and Meurer, S.
Wind
Humidity
Sanderson & Porter in 1943. With a height of 91 feet and a length of 622 feet, this earth dam on the Santa Fe River provides essential storage capacity of 1234 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 679 acre-feet, serving as a vital resource for the surrounding community. Despite its high hazard potential and poor condition assessment, the dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Office of the State Engineer, ensuring its structural integrity and safety standards are maintained.
The dam's spillway, with a width of 87 feet, operates as uncontrolled, allowing for a maximum discharge of 19,690 cubic feet per second to manage flood events effectively. Positioned within the Albuquerque District, Nichols Dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating risks associated with its high hazard potential, necessitating regular inspections and enforcement actions. Even with its moderate risk assessment rating of 3, the dam's strategic location and design serve as a testament to the importance of water infrastructure in sustaining communities and ecosystems in the face of changing climatic conditions.
As a primary water supply structure for Santa Fe, Nichols Dam not only provides essential storage capacity but also contributes to the overall resilience of the region in the face of water scarcity and climate variability. With its historical significance dating back to the 1940s and ongoing regulatory oversight by the State Engineer's office, this earth dam stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management, infrastructure development, and climate adaptation in ensuring the sustainable future of New Mexico's water supply systems.
Year Completed |
1943 |
Dam Length |
622 |
Dam Height |
91 |
River Or Stream |
SANTA FE RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
30 |
Hydraulic Height |
91 |
Drainage Area |
22 |
Nid Storage |
1234 |
Structural Height |
87 |
Outlet Gates |
Valve - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
91 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Black Canyon
|
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Black Canyon Campground
|
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Hyde Memorial State Park
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Glorieta
|
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Big Tesuque Campground
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Big Tesuque
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