Power Lake Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Railroad Dam No.1 Railroad Dam No.2
Last Updated: December 23, 2025
Located in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, Power Lake Dam, also known as Power Dam or Janes Wallace Lake Memorial Dam, stands as a testament to the ingenuity of its designer W.
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Summary
Chester Campbell. This local government-owned structure on El Rito Creek was completed in 1927 and primarily serves as a recreational spot for water resource and climate enthusiasts. With a height of 25 feet and a hydraulic height of 20 feet, the dam offers a storage capacity of 196 acre-feet, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities on its 13-acre surface area.
Despite its recreational appeal, Power Lake Dam poses a high hazard potential with an unsatisfactory condition assessment as of its last inspection in November 2015. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway type with a width of 95 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 3200 cubic feet per second. The dam's foundations consist of rock and soil, further adding to its structural complexity and management challenges. Although the dam has not undergone significant modifications in recent years, its risk assessment remains moderate, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure public safety.
As a regulated structure under the jurisdiction of the Office of the State Engineer in New Mexico, Power Lake Dam is subject to state permitting, inspection, and enforcement measures to uphold safety standards. With Congressman Xochitl Torres Small representing the area, the dam's management and operation fall under local government oversight. Despite its inherent risks, the dam continues to attract visitors seeking recreational opportunities amidst the scenic beauty of Guadalupe County, emphasizing the delicate balance between water resource utilization and environmental conservation in the region.
Year Completed |
1927 |
Dam Length |
360 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
EL RITO CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Other |
Surface Area |
13 |
Hydraulic Height |
20 |
Drainage Area |
36.8 |
Nid Storage |
196 |
Structural Height |
28 |
Outlet Gates |
Needle - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
28 |
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.
Power Lake Dam
Santa Rosa Reservoir