Railroad Dam No.1, located in Santa Rosa, New Mexico, is a concrete structure built in 1907 primarily for recreational purposes along the El Rito Creek.
Wind
Humidity
Standing at a height of 22 feet and having a hydraulic height of 18 feet, the dam offers a storage capacity of 158 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 53 acres. Despite its age, the dam has a high hazard potential and is currently in poor condition, as assessed in 2015.
The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled with a width of 107 feet, and it has a maximum discharge capacity of 2800 cubic feet per second. The dam is regulated by the Office of the State Engineer in New Mexico and undergoes regular state inspections, permitting, and enforcement. The risk assessment for Railroad Dam No.1 is moderate, and it is currently assigned a DSAC level of 3.
Overall, Railroad Dam No.1 serves as a crucial structure for water resource management and recreational activities in the area. However, given its age and condition, there is a need for continued monitoring, maintenance, and potential upgrades to ensure the safety and functionality of the dam for both water resource and climate enthusiasts who frequent the site.
Year Completed |
1907 |
Dam Length |
800 |
Dam Height |
22 |
River Or Stream |
EL RITO CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
53 |
Hydraulic Height |
18 |
Drainage Area |
34 |
Nid Storage |
158 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Outlet Gates |
Needle - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
25 |