Escalante Generating Station Raw Water Storage Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Located in the scenic landscape of McKinley County, New Mexico, the Escalante Generating Station Raw Water Storage Dam serves as a vital component of the water supply infrastructure in the region.


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Summary

Built in 1982 with a height of 8 feet and a length spanning 2200 feet, this earth dam harnesses the flow of the Casmero Draw-OS river or stream to provide a storage capacity of 76.47 acre-feet. Despite its poor condition assessment in 2019, the dam's hazard potential is classified as low, emphasizing its importance in maintaining water security for the local community.

Managed by the Office of the State Engineer, the dam is regulated, permitted, and inspected by state authorities to ensure its structural integrity and operational efficiency. The primary purpose of the Escalante Generating Station Raw Water Storage Dam is water supply, highlighting its critical role in meeting the needs of residents and industries in the area. With a risk assessment rating of high (2), there is a recognition of the importance of implementing effective risk management measures to safeguard the dam and mitigate potential hazards.

As a key feature of the water resource infrastructure in the region, the Escalante Generating Station Raw Water Storage Dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts between public utilities, regulatory agencies, and designers like Burns & McDonnell. Its strategic location, design, and functionality underscore its significance in ensuring water security and stability for the community of Prewitt and beyond. Despite its challenges, the dam remains a cornerstone of water management in the area, embodying a commitment to sustainable resource utilization and climate resilience.

Year Completed

1982

Dam Length

2200

Dam Height

8

River Or Stream

CASMERO DRAW-OS

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

6

Drainage Area

0.01

Nid Storage

76.47

Structural Height

10

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

10
       
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.