Smithson Reservoir No. 3 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: May 6, 2026

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Smithson Reservoir No.


Summary

3, located in Union County, New Mexico, is a privately owned earth dam built in 1970 primarily for irrigation purposes on Tramperos Creek. With a height of 20 feet and a length of 780 feet, this reservoir has a storage capacity of 255 acre-feet, providing essential water resources for the surrounding agricultural lands. The dam is regulated by the Office of the State Engineer and has a low hazard potential, although its condition assessment is rated as poor.

Despite its poor condition, Smithson Reservoir No. 3 plays a crucial role in water management and irrigation in the region, holding a normal storage capacity of 117 acre-feet and covering a surface area of 16 acres. The reservoir has a moderate risk assessment rating of 3, indicating the need for regular inspections and potential risk management measures. The dam's last inspection in 2015 revealed its poor condition, highlighting the importance of maintaining and upgrading this essential water resource infrastructure for the community's sustainability and climate resilience.

As a significant water storage facility in a rural area, Smithson Reservoir No. 3 serves as a vital resource for the local community and agriculture. With its location on Tramperos Creek and controlled by the State Engineer, this earth dam represents a key piece of water infrastructure in Union County. To ensure its continued functionality and safety, ongoing assessments, maintenance, and potential risk management measures are essential to protect this valuable resource for both water supply and climate adaptation efforts in the region.

15-Day Long Term Forecast


Year Completed

1970

Dam Length

780

Dam Height

20

River Or Stream

TRAMPEROS CREEK - TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

16

Drainage Area

23

Nid Storage

255

Structural Height

25

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

25
       
Seasonal Comparison

5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail

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.
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Nearby Reservoirs

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River Runs