Sebastian Martin Bm 1 Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 10, 2025

Sebastian Martin Bm 1 Dam, also known as Arroyo Del Pueblito Dam, was completed in 1978 in Rio Arriba, New Mexico, to primarily serve the purpose of flood risk reduction along the Arroyo Del Pueblo.


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Summary

Owned by the local government and designed by USDA NRCS, this earth dam stands at a height of 48.2 feet with a structural height of 74 feet and a length of 800 feet. With a storage capacity of 277 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1890 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating the impact of potential flooding in the region.

Despite its importance in flood control, the dam's condition assessment in 2017 rated it as poor and with a high hazard potential. The inspection frequency is set at 3 years, and emergency action preparedness is yet to be determined. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, indicating a level 3 risk. With the Office of the State Engineer overseeing its regulatory aspects, the dam is a critical piece of infrastructure for the UNINCORPORATED RESIDENTS in the area, highlighting the importance of ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure its continued effectiveness in managing water resources and climate-related challenges.

Overall, Sebastian Martin Bm 1 Dam stands as a vital structure in the region's water resource management, playing a key role in flood risk reduction along the Arroyo Del Pueblo. As climate change continues to pose threats to water systems, the proper maintenance and management of this dam are essential to safeguarding the local community and enhancing resilience to potential environmental hazards. Through continued monitoring and risk management measures, the dam can effectively fulfill its purpose and contribute to sustainable water resource practices in the region.

Year Completed

1978

Dam Length

800

Dam Height

48.2

River Or Stream

ARROYO DEL PUEBLO

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

19

Drainage Area

0.45

Nid Storage

277

Structural Height

74

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

74
       
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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.