Sand Hill Arroyo Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 23, 2025

Sand Hill Arroyo Dam, located in Doña Ana, New Mexico, was completed in 1957 by the USDA NRCS and serves as a key flood risk reduction structure along the Sandhill Arroyo.


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Summary

The dam, primarily owned and regulated by the local government, stands at a height of 27 feet with a structural height of 35 feet and a length of 1300 feet. With a storage capacity of 424 acre-feet and a high hazard potential, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the region.

Despite its importance, Sand Hill Arroyo Dam is currently assessed as being in poor condition as of February 2018, with a high hazard potential. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway and has not been modified in recent years. The dam is inspected every three years, with the last assessment conducted in February 2018. While the risk assessment for the dam is moderate, its condition raises concerns about its ability to withstand potential flooding events in the future. Climate and water resource enthusiasts may find the ongoing maintenance and potential upgrades of Sand Hill Arroyo Dam to be of interest, as it plays a critical role in protecting the surrounding communities from flooding risks.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

1300

Dam Height

27

River Or Stream

SANDHILL ARROYO

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

27

Drainage Area

12.8

Nid Storage

424

Structural Height

35

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

35
       
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.