Upper Gila Valley Site No. 4 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Upper Gila Valley Site No.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

4 Dam, also known as Garcia Canyon Floodwater Retarding Structure, is a significant earth dam located in Grant, New Mexico. Constructed in 1962 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Garcia Canyon river stream. With a height of 30.5 feet and a length of 655 feet, the dam plays a crucial role in controlling debris and mitigating flood risks in the region.

Managed by the local government, the dam is regulated by the Office of the State Engineer in New Mexico. Despite being in a poor condition as of the last inspection in 2018, the dam's hazard potential is classified as high, emphasizing the need for regular monitoring and maintenance. With a maximum storage capacity of 224 acre-feet and a drainage area of 2.3 square miles, the dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding community from potential flooding events.

Although the dam has not been modified in recent years, its risk assessment is considered moderate. With a spillway width of 110 feet and uncontrolled outlet gates, the dam remains a critical infrastructure for flood control in the Upper Gila Valley. Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find the Upper Gila Valley Site No. 4 Dam an important structure in managing water flow and reducing flood risks in the region.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

655

Dam Height

30.5

River Or Stream

GARCIA CANYON

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

2.3

Nid Storage

224

Structural Height

34.5

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

35
       
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.