Maxwell Dam No. 12 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Maxwell Dam No. 13 Maxwell Dam No. 11
Last Updated: December 28, 2025
Maxwell Dam No.
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Summary
12, located in rural New Mexico along the Vermejo River, was completed in 1915 by the Bureau of Reclamation for irrigation purposes. This earth dam stands at a height of 20 feet and has a structural height of 27 feet, with a length of 2400 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 3430 acre-feet and a drainage area of 4 square miles, with a maximum discharge of 5600 cubic feet per second.
Despite its low hazard potential, Maxwell Dam No. 12 is in poor condition according to a 2016 assessment. The dam's emergency action plan has not been updated, and the risk assessment indicates a moderate level of risk. The dam is owned privately and regulated by the Office of the State Engineer, with state permitting, inspection, and enforcement in place. With its historical significance as an early irrigation structure, Maxwell Dam No. 12 serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining and monitoring our water resources in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1915 |
Dam Length |
2400 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
VERMEJO RIVER - OS |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
335 |
Drainage Area |
4 |
Nid Storage |
3430 |
Structural Height |
27 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
27 |
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.
Maxwell Dam No. 12