South Fork Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Mcclernon Dam North Fork Dam
Last Updated: December 23, 2025
South Fork Dam, located in Las Cruces, New Mexico, serves as a crucial structure for flood risk reduction along the South Fork of Las Cruces Arroyo.
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Summary
Built in 1930, this earth dam stands at a height of 40 feet and spans 550 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 111 acre-feet. Despite its important role in mitigating flood hazards, the dam is currently assessed as being in poor condition, highlighting the need for maintenance and potential upgrades to ensure its continued effectiveness.
Managed by the Office of the State Engineer, South Fork Dam is regulated, inspected, and enforced by the state of New Mexico, with a low hazard potential but a moderate risk assessment score of 3. The dam's spillway, with an uncontrolled design and a width of 185 feet, can handle a maximum discharge of 12,000 cubic feet per second. While there are no associated structures or locks, the dam's outlet is equipped with a needle gate system. With its location in a populated area and its proximity to residential areas, the importance of maintaining and monitoring South Fork Dam to protect the surrounding community from potential flooding events cannot be overstated.
In light of its historical significance and ongoing role in flood risk reduction, South Fork Dam stands as a testament to the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience in the region. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, it is essential to advocate for the maintenance and enhancement of critical infrastructure like South Fork Dam to ensure the safety and well-being of communities in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1930 |
Dam Length |
550 |
Dam Height |
40 |
River Or Stream |
SOUTH FORK OF LAS CRUCES ARROYO |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
2.74 |
Nid Storage |
111 |
Outlet Gates |
Needle - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
40 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
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.
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Aguirre Springs
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Aguirre Spring Campground
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Aguirre Spring Hostsite
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South Fork Dam