Ancho Dam A-5a Reservoir Report
Nearby: Ancho Dam A-6c Ancho Dam A-6b
Last Updated: December 27, 2025
Ancho Dam A-5a, located in Maxwell, New Mexico, is a privately owned earth dam designed by Pittsburg & Midway and completed in 1996.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
This dam serves as a crucial flood risk reduction measure along the Vermejo River, with a height of 25 feet and a length of 424 feet. It has a storage capacity of 32.05 acre-feet and a low hazard potential, with a satisfactory condition assessment as of 2012.
Managed by the Office of the State Engineer in New Mexico, Ancho Dam A-5a is subject to state regulation, permitting, inspection, and enforcement. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 50 feet and needle outlet gates. Although it has not been modified in recent years, the dam is inspected every five years to ensure its structural integrity and safety. Despite its moderate risk assessment rating, Ancho Dam A-5a remains a vital component in mitigating flood risks in the area.
With its strategic location and design, Ancho Dam A-5a plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding areas from potential flooding events. As a privately owned structure, it highlights the collaborative efforts between private entities and state regulatory agencies in managing water resources and climate-related risks. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate management, the details of Ancho Dam A-5a offer valuable insights into the complexities of maintaining and regulating essential infrastructure for flood risk reduction.
Year Completed |
1996 |
Dam Length |
424 |
Dam Height |
25 |
River Or Stream |
VERMEJO RIVER - TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
0.27 |
Nid Storage |
32.05 |
Outlet Gates |
Needle - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Rock, Soil |
Nid Height |
25 |
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-5a