Upper Gila Valley Site No. 9 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
The Upper Gila Valley Site No.
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Summary
9 Dam, also known as the Pacific Western Floodwater Retarding Structure, is a vital flood risk reduction infrastructure located in Grant County, New Mexico. Built in 1962 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 29.1 feet and has a structural height of 33 feet, with a length of 296 feet. It serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Pacific Western Canyon, with a maximum storage capacity of 87 acre-feet.
Despite its critical role in managing floodwaters, the dam is currently assessed as being in poor condition with a high hazard potential. The last inspection in May 2018 revealed the need for significant improvements to ensure the dam's safety and functionality. With its location in an unincorporated community south of the dam and under the jurisdiction of the Office of the State Engineer, the Upper Gila Valley Site No. 9 Dam requires ongoing attention and maintenance to mitigate risks and protect surrounding areas from potential inundation.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the importance of maintaining and upgrading infrastructure like the Upper Gila Valley Site No. 9 Dam is crucial for ensuring the safety and resilience of communities in the face of changing climate patterns and increasing flood risks. With its history dating back to the 1960s and its current state of poor condition, there is a clear need for investment and action to improve the dam's capacity to handle floodwaters and protect the local environment and residents.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
296 |
Dam Height |
29.1 |
River Or Stream |
PACIFIC WESTERN CANYON |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
0.89 |
Nid Storage |
87 |
Structural Height |
33 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
33 |
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. 9 Dam