Cimarroncito Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 28, 2025

Cimarroncito Dam, located in Colfax County, New Mexico, is a key water supply infrastructure managed by the local government.


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Summary

Built in 1948, this earth dam stands at a height of 58 feet and serves the primary purpose of water supply for the surrounding area. With a storage capacity of 189 acre-feet and a drainage area of 8.97 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow along the Cimarroncito Creek.

Despite its importance, Cimarroncito Dam is facing challenges in terms of its condition assessment, with a poor rating and a high hazard potential. The dam's last inspection in August 2020 highlighted these concerns, raising the need for immediate attention and potential risk management measures. The dam's spillway type is listed as uncontrolled, with a width of 88 feet, and it is regulated by the Office of the State Engineer in New Mexico.

As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the critical role of infrastructure like Cimarroncito Dam is vital for sustainable water management in the region. Efforts to improve its condition, address hazard potential, and ensure effective risk management will be essential to safeguarding its functionality and the surrounding community's water supply in the face of changing climate conditions.

Year Completed

1948

Dam Length

300

Dam Height

58

River Or Stream

CIMARRONCITO CREEK

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7.35

Hydraulic Height

48

Drainage Area

8.97

Nid Storage

189

Outlet Gates

Valve - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

58
       
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.