Ladera Dam No. 15 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ladera Dam No. 14 Ladera Dam No. 12
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Ladera Dam No.
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Summary
15, also known as Ladera Detention Basin, is a crucial structure located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, along the Ladera Arroyo. Built in 1976 by LEVERTON/DENNEY & MCCORNACK/BURNS, this earth dam stands at a height of 16 feet and spans a length of 8000 feet, serving primarily for flood risk reduction. With a storage capacity of 1128.35 acre-feet and a drainage area of 21 square miles, the dam plays a vital role in managing water flow and mitigating potential hazards in the region.
Despite its importance, Ladera Dam No. 15 is currently rated as having a high hazard potential and poor condition, as assessed in November 2018. The dam lacks a controlled spillway, with uncontrolled spillway type being listed, and is in need of maintenance and upgrades to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood risk management. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate (3), highlighting the need for continued monitoring and potential risk management measures to safeguard the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
With the Office of the State Engineer overseeing its regulation and inspection, Ladera Dam No. 15 remains a critical infrastructure for water resource and climate enthusiasts interested in understanding the intersection of water management, infrastructure resilience, and environmental risk mitigation. As discussions around climate change and its impact on water resources continue to gain prominence, ensuring the safety and functionality of dams like Ladera Dam No. 15 becomes increasingly important for the community and the environment at large.
Year Completed |
1976 |
Dam Length |
8000 |
Dam Height |
10 |
River Or Stream |
LADERA ARROYO |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
272 |
Drainage Area |
21 |
Nid Storage |
1128.35 |
Structural Height |
16 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
16 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
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.
Ladera Dam No. 15