Mccoy Detention Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 21, 2025
McCoy Detention Dam, located in Bernalillo, New Mexico, serves as a vital piece of infrastructure for flood risk reduction along the Isleta Arroyo.
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Summary
Constructed in 1991, this earth dam stands at a height of 35 feet and spans a length of 2,738 feet, with a storage capacity of 365 acre-feet. The dam's primary purpose is flood risk reduction, making it a crucial asset for local government in mitigating potential hazards from stormwater runoff.
Managed by the Office of the State Engineer in New Mexico, McCoy Detention Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by state agencies to ensure its structural integrity and operational effectiveness. The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 235 feet, and it has a high hazard potential due to its location and storage capacity. Despite this, the dam's condition assessment in 2018 deemed it satisfactory, with a moderate risk rating of 3, indicating a level of preparedness and maintenance to manage potential emergencies effectively.
With Debra A. Haaland representing the area in Congress, McCoy Detention Dam plays a critical role in protecting the surrounding community from flooding events. This dam's design by Boyle Engineering Corporation and its continued state oversight demonstrate a commitment to water resource management and climate resilience in New Mexico. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, understanding the function and significance of McCoy Detention Dam highlights the importance of infrastructure in safeguarding communities from the impacts of extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
1991 |
Dam Length |
2738 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
ISLETA ARROYO |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
23.4 |
Drainage Area |
2.95 |
Nid Storage |
365 |
Structural Height |
47 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
47 |
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.
Mccoy Detention Dam