Wind
Humidity
The San Lucas Dam, located in the San Lucas Canyon in rural McKinley, New Mexico, was completed in 1938 by the Soil Conservation Service and is privately owned.
The primary purpose of this earth dam is flood risk reduction, with a height of 56 feet and a hydraulic height of 49 feet. The dam has a length of 700 feet and a storage capacity of 600 acre-feet, serving a drainage area of 30.6 square miles.
Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently in poor condition as assessed in 2013, with a moderate risk level. The spillway type is uncontrolled with a width of 132 feet, and the maximum discharge is 8000 cubic feet per second. The last inspection was conducted in 2013, with an inspection frequency of 5 years. The dam's location, design, and historical significance make it a crucial structure for flood risk management in the region.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will be fascinated by the San Lucas Dam's design and function in managing flood risks in the San Lucas Canyon. As a privately owned structure regulated by the Office of the State Engineer in New Mexico, the dam's historical significance and current condition present a unique blend of challenges and opportunities for sustainable water management. With its association with the Soil Conservation Service and the potential for future modifications or improvements, the San Lucas Dam stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to balance water resource needs and environmental conservation in the region.
Year Completed |
1938 |
Dam Length |
700 |
Dam Height |
56 |
River Or Stream |
SAN LUCAS CANYON |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
13 |
Hydraulic Height |
49 |
Drainage Area |
30.6 |
Nid Storage |
600 |
Structural Height |
56 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
56 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Coal Mine Campground
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Coal Mine Campground & Picnic Area
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Coalmine Canyon
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Lobo Canyon Campground
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Lobo Canyon Picnic ground
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Lobo Canyon
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