Upper Gila Valley Site No. 8 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Upper Gila Valley Site No.
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Summary
8 Dam, also known as the Clark Floodwater Retarding Structure, is a crucial flood risk reduction infrastructure located in an unincorporated community southeast of the dam in Grant, New Mexico. Built in 1963 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and a length of 300 feet, with a storage capacity of 82 acre-feet. Designed to control debris and reduce flood risks along the Clark (Miller) Canyon, this dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from potential inundation.
Despite its importance, the Upper Gila Valley Site No. 8 Dam is currently assessed to be in poor condition, with a high hazard potential. With a moderate risk rating and a last inspection date in May 2018, there is a pressing need for maintenance and improvement to ensure the dam's structural integrity and functionality. The dam's uncontrolled spillway and inadequate outlet gates contribute to its risk profile, highlighting the urgency of addressing these deficiencies to enhance its effectiveness in flood control and risk mitigation.
As a key asset regulated by the Office of the State Engineer in New Mexico, the Upper Gila Valley Site No. 8 Dam serves as a critical infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the region. With its strategic location and design by the USDA NRCS, this dam is a testament to the collaborative efforts in water resource management and climate resilience. However, proactive measures must be taken to address its current poor condition and high hazard potential to uphold its role in protecting the community and environment from potential flood events.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
300 |
Dam Height |
30 |
River Or Stream |
CLARK (MILLER) CANYON |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
7 |
Hydraulic Height |
29 |
Drainage Area |
0.8 |
Nid Storage |
82 |
Structural Height |
35 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
35 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Gila River Near Gila
|
111cfs |
Mogollon Creek Near Cliff
|
5cfs |
Gila River Near Redrock
|
75cfs |
San Francisco River Near Glenwood
|
26cfs |
Gila River Below Blue Creek
|
67cfs |
Mimbres River At Mimbres
|
2cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Upper Gila Valley Site No. 8 Dam