Chino Mines Tailings Dam No. 7 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Axiflo Tailings Dam James Canyon Dam
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Chino Mines Tailings Dam No.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
7, located in Grant County, New Mexico, stands as a significant structure in the state's regulatory landscape. Completed in 1988, this private-owned dam serves primarily for tailings storage, with a design height of 230 feet and a length of 24,200 feet. The dam sits on a soil foundation and has a storage capacity of 19,800 acre-feet, encompassing a surface area of 1,317 acres.
Managed by the Office of the State Engineer, Chino Mines Tailings Dam No. 7 boasts a high hazard potential with a satisfactory condition assessment as of June 2020. Despite its uncontrolled spillway type, the dam undergoes inspections every five years, with the last one conducted in June 2020. The emergency action plan was last revised in June 2015, emphasizing preparedness for any potential risks associated with the dam.
With a moderate risk assessment rating, Chino Mines Tailings Dam No. 7 highlights the intersection of water resource management and climate considerations. As one of the key structures in the region's mining landscape, its design and operational intricacies underscore the importance of proactive risk management and adherence to state regulations for ensuring the safety and integrity of water resources in the area.
Year Completed |
1988 |
Dam Length |
24200 |
Dam Height |
230 |
River Or Stream |
WHITEWATER CREEK-OS |
Primary Dam Type |
Other |
Surface Area |
1317 |
Drainage Area |
2.2 |
Nid Storage |
19800 |
Outlet Gates |
Needle - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
230 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Mimbres River At Mimbres
|
6cfs |
Gila River Near Redrock
|
63cfs |
Gila River Near Gila
|
60cfs |
Gila River Below Blue Creek
|
57cfs |
Mogollon Creek Near Cliff
|
4cfs |
Gila River At Duncan
|
32cfs |
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.
Chino Mines Tailings Dam No. 7