Questa Tailings Dam 1 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Questa Tailings Dam 1, located in Taos, New Mexico, is a private-owned structure with a primary purpose of managing tailings.


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Summary

Completed in 1980, this earth dam stands at a height of 280 feet and has a length of 17,100 feet. With a storage capacity of 29,555 acre-feet, it serves as a critical part of the Red River watershed, specifically in the Red River-OS stream.

This dam, regulated by the Office of the State Engineer in New Mexico, has a high hazard potential but is currently in satisfactory condition as per the latest assessment in September 2020. Despite the moderate risk level, the dam has been inspected biennially to ensure its structural integrity and safety. While the spillway type is uncontrolled and the dam lacks outlet gates, it remains a key component in managing water resources in the region.

As an enthusiast of water resources and climate, the Questa Tailings Dam 1 presents an intriguing case study in dam management and risk assessment. Its location in a picturesque setting and its vital role in water storage make it a focal point for understanding the intersection of human infrastructure with natural ecosystems and the importance of maintaining and monitoring such structures for long-term sustainability.

Year Completed

1980

Dam Length

17100

Dam Height

280

River Or Stream

RED RIVER-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

306

Drainage Area

1.7

Nid Storage

29555

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

280
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No 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

High
Dams 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.