Santa Cruz Site 5 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Santa Cruz Site 5 Dam, also known as Morada Retard Dam, is located in Espanola, New Mexico, along the Morada Arroyo.


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Summary

This earth-type dam was completed in 1961 and stands at a height of 53 feet, with a structural height of 59 feet and a length of 810 feet. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction and it has a maximum storage capacity of 258 acre-feet.

Despite its important role in flood control, Santa Cruz Site 5 Dam has a high hazard potential and a poor condition assessment as of the last inspection in November 2020. The dam is regulated by the Office of the State Engineer in New Mexico, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. However, the risk assessment for the dam is moderate, indicating that there may be potential challenges in managing and mitigating risks associated with the structure.

As a water resource and climate enthusiast, attention to the maintenance and safety of Santa Cruz Site 5 Dam is crucial for ensuring its continued effectiveness in flood risk reduction and protection of the surrounding area. With its location in a high-risk area and the poor condition assessment, proactive measures and regular inspections are essential to address any potential hazards and ensure the safety of the dam and the community it serves.

Year Completed

1961

Dam Length

810

Dam Height

53

River Or Stream

MORADA ARROYO

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

28

Hydraulic Height

53

Drainage Area

1.3

Nid Storage

258

Structural Height

59

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

59
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.