Santa Cruz Site 4 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Santa Cruz Site 4 Dam, also known as Martinez Retard Dam, is a crucial flood risk reduction structure located in Rio Arriba, New Mexico.


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Summary

Constructed in 1961 by SERGENT, HAUSKINS AND BECKWITH and USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 63 feet and spans a length of 4300 feet along the Martinez Arroyo. Owned by the local government, the dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the Office of the State Engineer, ensuring its safety and functionality.

With a storage capacity of 322 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 4872 cubic feet per second, Santa Cruz Site 4 Dam serves as a vital protective barrier against flooding in the region. The dam's uncontrolled spillway, 50 feet wide, helps manage excess water flow during heavy rainfall events. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition is assessed as fair, with regular inspections conducted to ensure its operational integrity. In the event of an emergency, the dam's Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is designed to meet established guidelines, providing a structured response framework for any potential risks associated with the structure. With its strategic location and effective design, Santa Cruz Site 4 Dam plays a critical role in safeguarding the surrounding areas from flood-related disasters.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

4300

Dam Height

63

River Or Stream

MARTINEZ ARROYO

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

29

Hydraulic Height

63

Drainage Area

2

Nid Storage

322

Structural Height

65

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

65
       
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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.