Tortugas Site 2 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 23, 2025
Tortugas Site 2 Dam, located in Doña Ana, New Mexico, is a vital structure designed by the USDA NRCS to reduce flood risks along the Tortugas Arroyo.
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Summary
Built in 1962, this earth dam stands at a height of 22.6 feet and a length of 1560 feet, with a maximum storage capacity of 121 acre-feet. Despite its essential function in flood risk reduction, the dam's condition assessment is marked as poor, with a high hazard potential, highlighting the urgent need for maintenance and repair.
The dam's primary purpose of flood risk reduction is crucial for protecting the surrounding area from potential inundation, given the high hazard potential associated with its current condition. The dam's location in the city of LAS CRUCES, TORTUGAS underscores its significance in safeguarding the community from potential flooding events. With a drainage area of 0.88 square miles and a maximum discharge of 3300 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water flow along the Tortugas Arroyo, emphasizing the need for regular inspections and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness.
As a state-regulated dam under the jurisdiction of the OFFICE OF THE STATE ENGINEER in New Mexico, Tortugas Site 2 Dam faces moderate risk (level 3) according to the latest risk assessment. The collaboration between local government and federal agencies, such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service, underscores the importance of coordinated efforts in managing and maintaining critical water resource infrastructure. With its strategic location and essential role in flood risk reduction, the Tortugas Site 2 Dam serves as a key asset in protecting the community and surrounding area from potential water-related hazards.
Year Completed |
1962 |
Dam Length |
1560 |
Dam Height |
22.6 |
River Or Stream |
TORTUGAS ARROYO |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
14.2 |
Hydraulic Height |
22 |
Drainage Area |
0.88 |
Nid Storage |
121 |
Structural Height |
31 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
31 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
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.
Tortugas Site 2 Dam