Piedras Marcadas Detention Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mariposa Dam Swinburne Dam
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
Piedras Marcadas Detention Dam, located in Bernalillo, New Mexico, is a crucial structure owned by the local government with a primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
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Summary
Built in 1984 by Wilson & Company, Inc., this earth dam stands at a height of 28 feet and spans 1300 feet in length, with a maximum storage capacity of 649 acre-feet. It sits on the Piedras Marcadas Arroyo and serves to mitigate the high hazard potential posed by flooding in the area.
Managed by the Office of the State Engineer, this dam undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and operational effectiveness. Despite its high hazard potential, the condition assessment conducted in January 2021 deemed it satisfactory. With a moderate risk rating, the dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and slide gates for outlet control. It is designed to handle a maximum discharge of 28,240 cubic feet per second, protecting the surrounding area from potential inundation events.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Piedras Marcadas Detention Dam represents a vital piece of infrastructure in Albuquerque's flood risk management strategy. Its strategic location and design characteristics, coupled with regular maintenance and inspection practices, contribute to the overall resilience of the community in the face of natural disasters. As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, the importance of well-maintained dams like Piedras Marcadas in safeguarding lives and property from flooding cannot be overstated.
Year Completed |
1984 |
Dam Length |
1300 |
Dam Height |
28 |
River Or Stream |
PIEDRAS MARCADAS ARROYO |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
50 |
Drainage Area |
6 |
Nid Storage |
649 |
Structural Height |
34 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
34 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Piedras Marcadas Detention Dam