Ancho Dam A-8 Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ancho Dam A-5a Ancho Dam A-6c
Last Updated: December 27, 2025
Ancho Dam A-8, also known as Piittsburg and Midway Coal Company Floodwater Detention Dam A-8, is a private-owned structure located in Colfax, New Mexico.
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Summary
Completed in 1997, this earth-type dam stands at a height of 37 feet and spans a length of 530 feet along the Vermejo River. With a maximum storage capacity of 174 acre-feet, its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, serving as a crucial asset in mitigating potential damage from heavy rainfall and ensuring the safety of nearby communities.
Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Ancho Dam A-8 undergoes regular inspections every five years to ensure its structural integrity and functionality. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 100 feet, capable of managing a maximum discharge of 4900 cubic feet per second. While the risk assessment categorizes it as moderate, the structure is subject to state regulations, permitting, and enforcement by the Office of the State Engineer, highlighting the importance of adhering to safety guidelines and maintaining its operational efficiency for long-term effectiveness in flood risk management.
Ancho Dam A-8's location in a high-risk flood area underscores the critical role it plays in protecting the surrounding region from potential disasters. With its strategic design and storage capacity, this dam serves as a vital component in the overall water resource management and climate resilience efforts in New Mexico, demonstrating the importance of maintaining and monitoring such infrastructure to safeguard communities and ecosystems against the impacts of extreme weather events.
Year Completed |
1997 |
Dam Length |
530 |
Dam Height |
37 |
River Or Stream |
VERMEJO RIVER - TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
1.5 |
Drainage Area |
3.3 |
Nid Storage |
174 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
37 |
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.
Ancho Dam A-8