Spring Canyon Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Spring Canyon Dam in Doña Ana, New Mexico, stands as a vital structure designed by the USDA NRCS for flood risk reduction along the Spring Canyon stream.
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Summary
Completed in 1940, this concrete multi-arch dam reaches a height of 59 feet and boasts a structural height of 64 feet, providing a storage capacity of 830 acre-feet. The dam's spillway, with a width of 80 feet, serves as an uncontrolled outlet for managing a maximum discharge of 11,550 cubic feet per second, ensuring the safety of the surrounding area.
Despite its crucial role in flood mitigation, Spring Canyon Dam's poor condition assessment and high hazard potential highlight the pressing need for maintenance and upgrades. The last inspection in 2014 revealed deficiencies, prompting concerns about the dam's ability to withstand extreme weather events. With a moderate risk rating and a history of state regulation and enforcement, the dam's future operations and safety protocols are likely to undergo significant scrutiny and enhancement to protect the local community and environment from potential hazards.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts monitor developments surrounding Spring Canyon Dam, the collaboration between local government agencies, the USDA NRCS, and the Office of the State Engineer in New Mexico will be crucial in ensuring the dam's resilience and effectiveness. With its strategic location in Hatch and its critical role in flood risk reduction for the region, Spring Canyon Dam serves as a key asset that demands proactive maintenance, inspection, and risk management measures to safeguard both the infrastructure and the surrounding ecosystem for years to come.
Year Completed |
1940 |
Dam Length |
408 |
Dam Height |
59 |
River Or Stream |
SPRING CANYON |
Primary Dam Type |
Concrete |
Surface Area |
47.5 |
Hydraulic Height |
54 |
Drainage Area |
5.5 |
Nid Storage |
830 |
Structural Height |
64 |
Outlet Gates |
Needle - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
64 |
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.
Spring Canyon Dam