Santa Cruz Site 2g Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Santa Cruz Site 2g Dam, located in Chimayo, New Mexico, is a local government-owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS to provide flood risk reduction along the Arroyo De Los Vecinos.


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Summary

Completed in 1982, this earth dam stands at a height of 64.3 feet and has a structural height of 75.2 feet. With a storage capacity of 1100 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in the region.

Although the dam is categorized as having a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment, it is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the Office of the State Engineer in New Mexico. The spillway type is uncontrolled with a width of 200 feet, and the dam has no outlet gates. Despite its risk assessment being moderate, the dam is in need of maintenance and updating to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood risk reduction and water management in the area.

Overall, Santa Cruz Site 2g Dam serves as a critical infrastructure for flood risk reduction in the region, highlighting the importance of water resource management and climate resilience. As climate change continues to impact water systems, the maintenance and upkeep of such structures become increasingly vital to protect communities and the environment from potential disasters.

Year Completed

1982

Dam Length

3313

Dam Height

64.3

River Or Stream

ARROYO DE LOS VECINOS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Drainage Area

1.72

Nid Storage

1100

Structural Height

75.2

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

75
       
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.