Dwight Baker Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dwight Baker Dam, located in Rio Arriba, New Mexico, is a private dam primarily used for irrigation purposes along the Blanco Arroyo.


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Summary

Completed in 1957, this earth dam stands at a height of 29 feet and has a length of 1000 feet, with a storage capacity of 115 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam's poor condition assessment in 2014 raises concerns about its safety and long-term viability.

Managed by the Office of the State Engineer, the dam is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. With a moderate risk assessment rating, there is a need for improved risk management measures to ensure the safety of downstream communities and the surrounding environment. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 50 feet, and a maximum discharge capacity of 1160 cubic feet per second.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, monitoring the condition and maintenance of Dwight Baker Dam is crucial to prevent any potential risks or failures. The dam's historic significance in supporting irrigation activities underscores the importance of preserving and ensuring its structural integrity for sustainable water management in the region. Ongoing assessments and updates to the dam's emergency action plan are essential to mitigate risks and protect the local community from any unforeseen emergencies related to the dam's operation.

Year Completed

1957

Dam Length

1000

Dam Height

29

River Or Stream

BLANCO ARROYO -TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

11

Drainage Area

10

Nid Storage

115

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

29
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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.