Cass Draw Site 1 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
Cass Draw Site 1 Dam, also known as Big Cass Draw Site 1, is a critical infrastructure owned by the local government in Loving, New Mexico.
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Summary
Built in 1969 by USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 27 feet and has a structural height of 37 feet. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction along the Cass Draw river, with a storage capacity of 4,275 acre-feet and a drainage area of 34 square miles.
Despite its importance in mitigating flood risks, Cass Draw Site 1 Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment. The last inspection in January 2019 revealed the dam's deteriorating state, prompting a moderate risk assessment with a rating of 3. With a spillway width of 800 feet and uncontrolled outlet gates, the dam poses a potential threat to downstream areas in the event of a breach.
The dam is under the regulatory oversight of the Office of the State Engineer in New Mexico, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and rehabilitation of Cass Draw Site 1 Dam will be crucial to ensuring the safety and resilience of the surrounding communities against future flood events.
Year Completed |
1969 |
Dam Length |
7835 |
Dam Height |
27 |
River Or Stream |
CASS DRAW |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
490 |
Hydraulic Height |
27 |
Drainage Area |
34 |
Nid Storage |
4275 |
Structural Height |
37 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
37 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Cass Draw Site 1 Dam