Nichols Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Nichols Dam, located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, stands as a critical water supply structure designed by Meurer, Serafini and Meurer, S.


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Summary

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
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.