Mosaic Potash Carlsbad Clay Settling Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
The Mosaic Potash Carlsbad Clay Settling Dam, located in Carlsbad, New Mexico, was completed in 2005 and serves as a critical structure for managing tailings in the area.
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Summary
The dam, primarily made of earth with a stone core and soil foundation, stands at a height of 17 feet and has a hydraulic height of 15 feet, with a structural height of 19 feet. With a storage capacity of 638 acre-feet, the dam covers a surface area of 86 acres and has a drainage area of 1.2 square miles, providing vital water resource management in the region.
The dam's spillway is uncontrolled with a width of 50 feet, and it has a low hazard potential with a satisfactory condition assessment as of the last inspection in July 2019. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate, with a rating of 3, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and management measures. The Office of the State Engineer in New Mexico regulates the dam, enforcing state permitting, inspection, and enforcement requirements to ensure its continued safe operation. With its vital role in water resource management and climate resilience, the Mosaic Potash Carlsbad Clay Settling Dam is an essential infrastructure for the region's environmental sustainability.
Overall, the Mosaic Potash Carlsbad Clay Settling Dam is a crucial structure for managing tailings and water resources in Carlsbad, New Mexico. With its earth construction, stone core, and soil foundation, the dam provides storage capacity, surface area coverage, and drainage area management for the region. With low hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, ongoing monitoring and management measures are essential to ensure the dam's continued safe operation and environmental sustainability. The dam's role in water resource management and climate resilience underscores its importance in the region's infrastructure landscape.
Year Completed |
2005 |
Dam Length |
4400 |
Dam Height |
17 |
River Or Stream |
NASH DRAW-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
86 |
Hydraulic Height |
15 |
Drainage Area |
1.2 |
Nid Storage |
638 |
Structural Height |
19 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
19 |
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.
Mosaic Potash Carlsbad Clay Settling Dam