Upper Gila Valley Site No. 12 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Upper Gila Valley Site No.


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Summary

12 Dam, also known as the Kartchner Canyon Floodwater Retarding Structure, is a key flood risk reduction infrastructure located in Grant, New Mexico. Built in 1963 by the USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 30 feet and has a structural height of 41 feet, with a storage capacity of 118.8 acre-feet. The dam serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction and debris control along the Kartchner Canyon stream.

Despite its important role in mitigating flood risks, the Upper Gila Valley Site No. 12 Dam is facing challenges in terms of its condition assessment, which was rated as poor during the last inspection in May 2018. With a high hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, there is a pressing need for improved risk management measures and potentially an emergency action plan. The dam's location in an unincorporated community southeast of the structure underscores the importance of ensuring its safety and effectiveness for both local residents and the surrounding environment.

Year Completed

1963

Dam Length

327

Dam Height

30

River Or Stream

KARTCHNER CANYON

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

10

Hydraulic Height

29

Drainage Area

1.2

Nid Storage

118.8

Structural Height

41

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

41
       
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.