Intrepid Potash West Plant Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
The Intrepid Potash West Plant Dam in Eddy, New Mexico, is a significant structure with a primary purpose of containing tailings.
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Summary
Completed in 1978, this earth dam stands at a height of 32 feet and has a structural height of 68 feet. With a length of 4500 feet and a storage capacity of 2078 acre-feet, it plays a crucial role in water management in the region, particularly for the Pecos River.
Despite its importance, the dam has been assessed as being in unsatisfactory condition, with a significant hazard potential. The last inspection in February 2019 raised concerns about its safety, prompting the need for frequent inspections every five years. The dam's risk assessment indicates moderate risk, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and risk management measures to ensure the safety of the surrounding area and water resources.
Owned privately and regulated by the Office of the State Engineer, the Intrepid Potash West Plant Dam serves as a vital infrastructure for water resource management. Its location in a rural area highlights its critical role in controlling water flow and storage, highlighting the interconnected nature of water resources and climate resilience in the region.
Year Completed |
1978 |
Dam Length |
4500 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
PECOS RIVER-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
128.2 |
Drainage Area |
1.3 |
Nid Storage |
2078 |
Structural Height |
68 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
68 |
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.
Intrepid Potash West Plant Dam