Sandia Mountain Site No. 1 Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Sandia Mountain Site No.
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Summary
1 Dam, also known as Piedra Liza Dam, is a crucial water management structure located in Bernalillo, New Mexico. Built in 1955 by the USDA NRCS, this dam serves as a flood risk reduction measure along the Piedra Lisa River. Standing at a height of 52.4 feet with a structural height of 45 feet, the dam has a capacity to store 383 acre-feet of water over a surface area of 31.5 acres.
Regulated by the Office of the State Engineer and inspected every three years, Sandia Mountain Site No. 1 Dam is considered to have a high hazard potential but is currently assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of November 2016. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 180 feet, allowing for a maximum discharge of 21,190 cubic feet per second in case of emergencies. Despite its moderate risk assessment, the dam plays a vital role in protecting the surrounding area from flooding events and is an essential component of the local water resource infrastructure.
With its critical role in flood risk reduction and water management, Sandia Mountain Site No. 1 Dam serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts between local government agencies and the USDA NRCS in safeguarding communities and ecosystems in Sandoval County, New Mexico. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and proper management of dams like Sandia Mountain Site No. 1 will be crucial in adapting to the evolving hydrological challenges and ensuring the resilience of water infrastructure in the region.
Year Completed |
1955 |
Dam Length |
1030 |
Dam Height |
52.4 |
River Or Stream |
PIEDRA LISA |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
31.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
52.1 |
Drainage Area |
4.2 |
Nid Storage |
383 |
Structural Height |
45 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
52 |
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.
Sandia Mountain Site No. 1 Dam
Jemez Canyon Reservoir
Below Ellis Ranch To Private Land Boundary