Fillmore Site 1 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 23, 2025

Fillmore Site 1 Dam, located in Doña Ana, New Mexico, is a crucial structure designed by the USDA NRCS to mitigate flood risks along the Fillmore Arroyo.


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Summary

Completed in 1962, this earth dam stands at a height of 42 feet, with a hydraulic height of 40 feet and a structural height of 54 feet. With a total length of 3150 feet and a storage capacity of 1395 acre-feet, the dam serves primarily for flood risk reduction in the region.

Despite its importance, the Fillmore Site 1 Dam is currently rated as having a high hazard potential and poor condition, with the last inspection in November 2020 revealing areas in need of improvement. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway type and outlet gates, with a spillway width of 400 feet to manage maximum discharge of 7455 cubic feet per second. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, and regular inspections are conducted to ensure its safety and efficacy in flood control.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, the Fillmore Site 1 Dam exemplifies the critical role of infrastructure in managing water resources and protecting communities from potential disasters. As a state-regulated structure under the jurisdiction of the Office of the State Engineer in New Mexico, the dam's design and construction by the Natural Resources Conservation Service highlight the collaborative efforts needed to address flood risks in the region. Going forward, ongoing maintenance and risk management measures will be essential to ensure the continued effectiveness of the Fillmore Site 1 Dam in safeguarding against flooding events in the area.

Year Completed

1962

Dam Length

3150

Dam Height

42

River Or Stream

FILLMORE ARROYO

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

73

Hydraulic Height

40

Drainage Area

19

Nid Storage

1395

Structural Height

54

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

54
       
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.