North Star Raw Water Storage Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 27, 2025
Located in Aztec, New Mexico, the North Star Raw Water Storage Dam is a private-owned structure designed by Cheney-Walters_Echols, Inc.
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Summary
The dam, completed in 2003, serves as a crucial water supply source, with a storage capacity of 64.59 acre-feet and a normal storage level of 55.89 acre-feet. Situated on the Animas River, this earth-type dam stands at 20 feet in height and extends for 1865 feet, covering a surface area of 4.23 acres. Despite its significant hazard potential, the dam is currently in satisfactory condition, as reported during its last inspection in May 2017.
Regulated by the Office of the State Engineer and falling under state jurisdiction, the North Star Raw Water Storage Dam plays a vital role in water resource management in San Juan County, New Mexico. With its rockfill core and soil foundation, the dam has been inspected regularly and meets state permitting and enforcement requirements. Although it lacks a spillway, the dam features slide (sluice gate) outlet gates to regulate water flow. The risk assessment for the dam indicates a high level of risk, emphasizing the importance of thorough monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued functionality and safety.
In the realm of water resource and climate conservation, the North Star Raw Water Storage Dam stands as a key infrastructure supporting water supply in the region. Owned and operated by a private entity, this dam exemplifies the collaboration between public and private sectors in managing water resources effectively. With its strategic location on the Animas River and its critical storage capacity, the dam serves as a lifeline for the surrounding community. As efforts to address climate change and water scarcity intensify, the significance of structures like the North Star Dam in ensuring water security and resilience cannot be overstated.
Year Completed |
2003 |
Dam Length |
1865 |
Dam Height |
20 |
River Or Stream |
ANIMAS RIVER - OS |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4.23 |
Drainage Area |
0.01 |
Nid Storage |
64.59 |
Outlet Gates |
Slide (sluice gate) - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
20 |
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.
North Star Raw Water Storage Dam