Santa Cruz Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Santa Cruz Dam, located in Chimayo, New Mexico, is a gravity dam constructed in 1929 for irrigation purposes on the Santa Cruz River.


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Summary

Managed by the local government, the dam stands at a height of 124 feet with a hydraulic height of 93.4 feet and a structural height of 146.5 feet. It has a storage capacity of 5948 acre-feet, with a normal storage level of 3546.4 acre-feet.

The dam's spillway, with a width of 502 feet, is uncontrolled, and the maximum discharge capacity is 147,970 cubic feet per second. The dam's hazard potential is categorized as high, although its condition assessment as of May 2020 was deemed satisfactory. Despite the moderate risk level, the dam has not been modified in recent years and is inspected annually to ensure its safety and functionality.

Santa Cruz Dam plays a crucial role in providing irrigation water to the surrounding area and also offers recreational opportunities. With a detailed history of construction and design by CHAS JOHNSTONE & USBR, the dam is regulated by the Office of the State Engineer in New Mexico. Climate and water enthusiasts interested in the intersection of water resource management and dam infrastructure will find Santa Cruz Dam an intriguing case study in sustainable water management practices.

Year Completed

1929

Dam Length

502

Dam Height

124

River Or Stream

SANTA CRUZ RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

99.8

Hydraulic Height

93.4

Drainage Area

99

Nid Storage

5948

Structural Height

146.5

Outlet Gates

Valve - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

147
       
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.