Completed in 1947, the earth dam stands at a height of 32.7 feet and serves primarily for irrigation purposes, with a storage capacity of 80 acre-feet. The dam regulates Vallecito Creek and covers a surface area of 4.5 acres, with a drainage area of 16.4 square miles.
Despite its essential role in water resource management, Lower Vallecito Dam is classified as having a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment. Inspected in June 2020, the dam is subject to regulatory oversight by the Office of the State Engineer in New Mexico. With a spillway width of 19 feet and a maximum discharge of 362 cubic feet per second, the dam poses moderate risk (rated 3) for potential emergencies. Upkeep and maintenance are crucial to ensure the safety and functionality of this critical infrastructure for the surrounding community.
The dam's location in Ponderosa, New Mexico, and its association with Vallecito Creek highlight its significance in the local ecosystem and agricultural activities. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the engineering complexities involved in managing irrigation and flood control through this earth dam. As efforts continue to address the dam's poor condition and high hazard potential, collaboration among stakeholders is essential to safeguard the surrounding areas and ensure sustainable water management for future generations.
Year Completed |
1947 |
Dam Length |
229 |
Dam Height |
32.7 |
River Or Stream |
VALLECITO CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.5 |
Drainage Area |
16.4 |
Nid Storage |
80 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
33 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Paliza Group Campground
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Paliza Family Campground
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Paliza
|
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Vista Linda Campground
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Vista Linda - Jemez Springs
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Jemez Falls Campground
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