Upper Gila Valley Site No. 11 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Upper Gila Valley Site No.
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Summary
11 Dam, also known as Bell Floodwater Water 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, this earth dam stands at a height of 31 feet and spans 600 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 341 acre-feet and a spillway width of 200 feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction on the Bell Canyon, with a hazard potential rated as high and a poor condition assessment as of the last inspection in May 2018.
Managed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Upper Gila Valley Site No. 11 Dam is regulated by the Office of the State Engineer in New Mexico. Its location in the T15S R17W S9 coordinates highlights its importance in protecting the surrounding area from flooding and debris control. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, the dam's structural integrity and maintenance are crucial to its effectiveness in mitigating flood hazards and ensuring the safety of the community.
With its high hazard potential and poor condition assessment, Upper Gila Valley Site No. 11 Dam remains a critical piece of infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the region. As climate change continues to impact water resources and increase the frequency of extreme weather events, the proper maintenance and management of this earth dam are essential to protecting the community and surrounding areas from potential flooding and associated risks.
Year Completed |
1963 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
31 |
River Or Stream |
BELL CANYON |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
35 |
Hydraulic Height |
30 |
Drainage Area |
4.3 |
Nid Storage |
341 |
Structural Height |
32 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
32 |
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 |
Gila River At Duncan
|
55cfs |
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. 11 Dam