Urraca Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 28, 2025

Urraca Dam, located in the Philmont Scout Area of Colfax, New Mexico, was completed in 1952 and serves as a vital water supply structure for the region.


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Summary

This earth dam, standing at a height of 60 feet and with a length of 300 feet, holds a maximum storage capacity of 136 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 4 acres. The dam regulates the flow of the North Fork Urraca Creek, with a maximum discharge capacity of 11,400 cubic feet per second.

Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment is listed as poor, with the last inspection conducted in June 2015. The risk assessment for Urraca Dam is moderate, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and potential risk management measures. The state of New Mexico, through the Office of the State Engineer, oversees the regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement of the dam to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure for both local water supply needs and environmental protection.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in the management and maintenance of essential water infrastructure will find Urraca Dam's details intriguing. With its historical significance, critical water supply role, and the ongoing need for risk mitigation efforts, this dam serves as a focal point for understanding the intersection of human activity, environmental stewardship, and water resource management in the region.

Year Completed

1952

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

60

River Or Stream

NORTH FORK URRACA CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

4

Drainage Area

10.2

Nid Storage

136

Structural Height

60

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

60
       
Seasonal Comparison

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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.