Don Felipe Detention Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Don Felipe Detention Dam, located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, along the Pajarito Arroyo, serves as a critical flood risk reduction structure in the region.
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Summary
Designed by Bovay Engineers, Inc. and completed in 1989, this earth dam stands at a height of 32 feet with a structural height of 41 feet and a length of 2600 feet. It has a storage capacity of 525 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 18500 cubic feet per second.
The dam's spillway, with a width of 150 feet, is uncontrolled, and its outlet gates consist of a slide (sluice gate). The structure has been deemed to have a high hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition, as assessed in December 2018. The dam is regulated by the Office of the State Engineer and undergoes regular inspections, with an inspection frequency of 5 years.
With its strategic location and design, the Don Felipe Detention Dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in the area while also ensuring the safety and protection of surrounding communities. As a key piece of infrastructure in the region, the dam exemplifies the importance of effective water resource management and climate resilience efforts in safeguarding against the impacts of extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
1989 |
Dam Length |
2600 |
Dam Height |
32 |
River Or Stream |
PAJARITO ARROYO |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
25 |
Drainage Area |
3.78 |
Nid Storage |
525 |
Structural Height |
41 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
41 |
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.
Don Felipe Detention Dam