Red Lake La Cueva Dam No. 2 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Horse Lake Dam La Cueva Dam No. 1
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Red Lake La Cueva Dam No.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
2, located in Mora, New Mexico, was completed in 1950 and serves a primary purpose of irrigation. This private-owned earth dam stands at a height of 17 feet and has a structural height of 25 feet, with a length of 1933 feet. The dam has a storage capacity of 6510 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 405 acres, drawing water from the Mora River-OS.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment in 2014 rated it as poor. The inspection frequency is every 5 years, with the last assessment conducted in November 2014. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, indicating a level 3 risk. The state of New Mexico regulates the dam, with permitting, inspection, and enforcement all conducted by the Office of the State Engineer.
Overall, Red Lake La Cueva Dam No. 2 plays a crucial role in irrigation in the region, but its poor condition and moderate risk highlight the need for continued monitoring and maintenance to ensure the safety and reliability of the water resource infrastructure in the area. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate will find this dam's history and current state a compelling subject for further study and advocacy.
Year Completed |
1950 |
Dam Length |
1933 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
MORA RIVER-OS |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
405 |
Drainage Area |
3.9 |
Nid Storage |
6510 |
Structural Height |
25 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
25 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Mora River At La Cueva
|
13cfs |
Coyote Creek Near Golondrinas
|
6cfs |
Mora River Near Golondrinas
|
18cfs |
Gallinas Creek Near Montezuma
|
10cfs |
Rio Pueblo Nr Penasco
|
27cfs |
Rio Mora Near Terrero
|
11cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Red Lake La Cueva Dam No. 2