North Fork Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 23, 2025

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.


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Summary

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
       
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.