Sebastian Martin Site 18 Dam, located in Alcalde, New Mexico, along the Rio Grande, serves as a key structure for flood risk reduction in the region.
Wind
Humidity
Constructed in 1985 by the USDA NRCS, this Earth dam stands at a height of 38.83 feet and spans a length of 1010 feet, providing a storage capacity of 235 acre-feet. Despite its essential role in managing water flow and mitigating flood risks, the dam is currently assessed to be in poor condition, with a high hazard potential.
The dam's design includes an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 44 feet, capable of handling a maximum discharge of 1870 cubic feet per second. However, the last inspection in 2017 revealed a deteriorating structure, necessitating frequent assessments and potential repairs to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood risk reduction. With the Office of the State Engineer overseeing its regulatory and inspection requirements, the dam's condition and risk management measures are critical to safeguarding the surrounding community and water resources.
As water resource and climate enthusiasts monitor the condition of Sebastian Martin Site 18 Dam, its role in flood risk reduction and water management along the Rio Grande remains vital. With a moderate risk assessment score of 3, efforts to maintain and improve the dam's condition are imperative to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the long-term resilience of this essential infrastructure in Rio Arriba, New Mexico.
Year Completed |
1985 |
Dam Length |
1010 |
Dam Height |
38.83 |
River Or Stream |
RIO GRANDE - TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
0.9 |
Nid Storage |
235 |
Structural Height |
55 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
55 |
Rio Chama Near Chamita
|
1280cfs |
Rio Grande At Embudo
|
567cfs |
Embudo Creek At Dixon
|
41cfs |
Santa Cruz River Near Cundiyo
|
32cfs |
Rio Grande At Otowi Bridge
|
1880cfs |
Rio Ojo Caliente At La Madera
|
13cfs |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Northlake Campground
|
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North Lake - Santa Cruz Lake
|
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Santa Cruz Lake Overlook Campground
|
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Overlook - Santa Cruz Lake
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