Aps Ash Pond Tailings Dam No. 6 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Aps Ash Pond Tailings Dam No.
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Summary
6, also known as Ash Pond 6, is a crucial water storage structure located in Shiprock, San Juan County, New Mexico. This earth dam, designed by DAMES & MOORE and completed in 1983, has a height of 90 feet and a length of 7550 feet, providing a storage capacity of 1743 acre-feet for tailings disposal purposes. The dam is regulated by the Office of the State Engineer and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and safety.
Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Aps Ash Pond Tailings Dam No. 6 is considered to have a high risk level (2) based on the provided data. The dam does not have a spillway, but its emergency action plan (EAP) status and risk management measures are not specified. It is important for water resource and climate enthusiasts to monitor this dam closely, given its location in a vulnerable area prone to potential risks and the need for proper risk mitigation strategies to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and environment.
As a public utility-owned structure, Aps Ash Pond Tailings Dam No. 6 plays a critical role in managing water resources in the region and requires ongoing attention and maintenance to prevent any potential incidents or failures. With its significant storage capacity and location along the Chaco Wash, this dam serves as a key component in the local water infrastructure and underscores the importance of responsible management and monitoring practices for sustainable water resource management in the face of changing climate conditions.
Year Completed |
1983 |
Dam Length |
7550 |
Dam Height |
90 |
River Or Stream |
CHACO WASH - TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
140 |
Drainage Area |
0.37 |
Nid Storage |
1743 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
90 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
San Juan River At Shiprock
|
639cfs |
La Plata River Near Farmington
|
4cfs |
San Juan River At Farmington
|
541cfs |
Animas River At Farmington
|
282cfs |
La Plata River At La Plata
|
3cfs |
Mancos River Near Towaoc
|
8cfs |
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.
Aps Ash Pond Tailings Dam No. 6