San Lucas Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: May 3, 2026

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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.


Summary

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.

15-Day Long Term Forecast


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
       
Seasonal Comparison

5-Day Hourly Forecast Detail

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.