Marie Street Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Marie Street Dam, located in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, was completed in 1960 with the primary purpose of flood risk reduction along the Rio Grande.


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Summary

This earth dam stands at 22 feet high and 586 feet long, with a storage capacity of 58 acre-feet. Despite its critical role in protecting the surrounding area from floods, the dam's condition assessment in 2019 was reported as poor, with a high hazard potential. The dam's last inspection in March 2019 revealed the need for improvements to ensure its continued effectiveness in flood control.

The dam's spillway type is uncontrolled, with a width of 30 feet, and it has an outlet gate with a needle design. The risk assessment for Marie Street Dam is moderate, with a hazard potential rating of 3 out of 5. The dam is under state regulation and inspection by the Office of the State Engineer, ensuring compliance with safety standards. With its location in a high-risk area for flooding, ongoing monitoring and potential upgrades are essential to maintain the dam's functionality and protect the community from potential disasters. Enthusiasts of water resources and climate issues will find the management and maintenance of Marie Street Dam to be a critical aspect of flood risk reduction in Sierra County, New Mexico.

Year Completed

1960

Dam Length

586

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

RIO GRANDE - TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

7

Drainage Area

0.74

Nid Storage

58

Outlet Gates

Needle - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

22
       
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.