Porter Whisenhunt Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Porter Whisenhunt Dam, located in Radium Springs, New Mexico, is a privately owned structure designed by the USDA NRCS to serve as a flood risk reduction measure along the Rio Grande.
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Summary
Built in 1959, this earth dam stands at 19 feet tall and spans a length of 2900 feet, with a storage capacity of 191 acre-feet. Despite its primary purpose being flood risk reduction, the dam is also regulated and inspected by the Office of the State Engineer in New Mexico.
With a high hazard potential and a poor condition assessment as of February 2020, Porter Whisenhunt Dam is in need of attention and maintenance to ensure its continued effectiveness in mitigating flood risks. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates, with a maximum discharge capacity of 3350 cubic feet per second. While the risk assessment deems the structure to have a moderate risk level, ongoing risk management measures and regular inspections are essential to safeguard the surrounding community and environment from potential hazards. Climate and water resource enthusiasts may find Porter Whisenhunt Dam a point of interest due to its historical significance in flood control efforts along the Rio Grande.
Year Completed |
1959 |
Dam Length |
2900 |
Dam Height |
19 |
River Or Stream |
RIO GRANDE - TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
17 |
Hydraulic Height |
19 |
Drainage Area |
1.3 |
Nid Storage |
191 |
Structural Height |
19 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
19 |
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.
Porter Whisenhunt Dam