Cottonw Ood-Walnut Site #8 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 26, 2025
Cottonwood-Walnut Site #8 is a flood risk reduction structure located in Eddy, New Mexico, along Cottonwood Creek.
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Summary
This earth dam, designed by Meurer, Serafini and Meurer, USDA NRCS, stands at a height of 61 feet and spans a length of 8832 feet. Completed in 1988, the dam has a storage capacity of 13699 acre-feet and serves the primary purpose of flood risk reduction.
Managed by the Office of the State Engineer, this high hazard potential dam is regularly inspected to ensure its fair condition and the safety of surrounding communities. With a moderate risk assessment rating, the structure has an uncontrolled spillway and outlet gates. The dam is under state jurisdiction and regulation, with permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes in place to maintain its integrity and functionality.
Cottonwood-Walnut Site #8 plays a crucial role in managing flood risks in the area, protecting residents and properties along Cottonwood Creek. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the engineering and regulatory efforts that go into maintaining this essential infrastructure and safeguarding the local community from potential hazards.
Year Completed |
1988 |
Dam Length |
8832 |
Dam Height |
61 |
River Or Stream |
COTTONWOOD CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
61 |
Drainage Area |
60 |
Nid Storage |
13699 |
Structural Height |
71 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
71 |
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.
Cottonw Ood-Walnut Site #8