Enchanted Hills Detention Dam No. 1 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 20, 2025
Enchanted Hills Detention Dam No.
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Summary
1, located in Bernalillo, New Mexico, is a crucial structure designed by Huitt-Zollars, Inc. to mitigate flood risks along the Venada Arroyo-TR stream. Completed in 2002, this earth dam stands at 19.5 feet high with a structural height of 27.5 feet, serving as a vital flood risk reduction measure in Sandoval County. With a drainage area of 3.7 square miles, the dam has a maximum discharge capacity of 4,368 cubic feet per second, ensuring effective flood control during heavy rainfall events.
This dam, owned and regulated by the local government and the Office of the State Engineer in New Mexico, has a high hazard potential but is in satisfactory condition according to a recent assessment. Despite its uncontrolled spillway and lack of outlet gates, Enchanted Hills Detention Dam No. 1 has a storage capacity of 154.6 acre-feet and plays a crucial role in protecting nearby communities from potential flooding. Its location, design, and operational efficiency make it a valuable asset in the region's water resource and climate resilience efforts.
As a key flood risk reduction infrastructure in the region, Enchanted Hills Detention Dam No. 1 has undergone regular inspections and updates to ensure its effectiveness and safety. With a moderate risk assessment rating and a history of meeting regulatory guidelines, this dam stands as a testament to effective water management practices in New Mexico. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns, structures like Enchanted Hills Detention Dam No. 1 play a vital role in safeguarding communities and ecosystems from the threats of flooding and water scarcity.
Year Completed |
2002 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
19.5 |
River Or Stream |
VENADA ARROYO-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Hydraulic Height |
17.8 |
Drainage Area |
3.7 |
Nid Storage |
154.6 |
Structural Height |
27.5 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
28 |
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.
Enchanted Hills Detention Dam No. 1
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