North Fork Dam, located in Las Cruces, New Mexico, serves as a critical flood risk reduction structure along the North Fork of Las Cruces Arroyo.
Wind
Humidity
Completed in 1930, this earth dam stands at 35 feet tall and stretches 592 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 149.9 acre-feet. Despite its low hazard potential, the dam is currently in poor condition as of its last inspection in 2016.
Managed by the Office of the State Engineer, North Fork Dam is regulated, permitted, inspected, and enforced by the state, ensuring its operational integrity and safety. With a moderate risk assessment rating, there is a need for risk management measures to be implemented to address its poor condition. The dam features an uncontrolled spillway with a width of 88 feet, capable of discharging a maximum of 8,900 cubic feet per second in times of high water flow.
For water resource and climate enthusiasts, North Fork Dam presents an interesting case study in dam infrastructure management and the importance of maintaining aging structures to mitigate flood risks. As the primary purpose of the dam is flood risk reduction, its critical role in protecting the surrounding area from potential flooding events underscores the significance of ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and risk assessment to ensure the safety and effectiveness of such vital water resource infrastructure.
Year Completed |
1930 |
Dam Length |
592 |
Dam Height |
35 |
River Or Stream |
NORTH FORK OF LAS CRUCES ARROYO |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Drainage Area |
3.4 |
Nid Storage |
149.9 |
Outlet Gates |
Needle - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
35 |
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Aguirre Springs
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Aguirre Spring Campground
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Aguirre Spring Hostsite
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Volunteer Park Travel Military
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