Questa Tailings Dam 4 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Questa Tailings Dam 4, also known to include Pope Lake and 3a, is a private-owned structure located in Questa, New Mexico.


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Summary

This dam, completed in 1966, serves a primary purpose as a tailings dam, standing at a height of 212 feet with a length of 6175 feet. It holds a storage capacity of 21,307 acre-feet and covers a surface area of 301 acres in the Taos County region. The dam is state-regulated by the Office of the State Engineer in New Mexico and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity.

With a hazard potential classified as high, Questa Tailings Dam 4 poses a moderate risk level and has been assessed to be in satisfactory condition as of the last inspection in September 2020. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type, the dam has not shown any significant issues that would warrant immediate action. The emergency action plan status and risk management measures for this structure are currently unspecified, indicating a need for further evaluation and preparedness in case of any unforeseen events. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate in the region should monitor updates on this dam to ensure its continued safety and environmental impact in the surrounding area.

Year Completed

1966

Dam Length

6175

Dam Height

212

River Or Stream

RED RIVER-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

301

Drainage Area

5

Nid Storage

21307

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

212
       
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.