Southwest Laguna Grande Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
The Southwest Laguna Grande Dam, located in Malaga, New Mexico, is a significant earth dam standing at 9 feet high and spanning 5860 feet in length.
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Summary
Completed in 2009, it serves as a crucial water resource structure along the Pecos River, with a storage capacity of 39,800 acre-feet and a surface area of 4710 acres. Despite its poor condition assessment and significant hazard potential, the dam is regulated by the Office of the State Engineer and undergoes regular inspections to ensure public safety.
Managed by a private entity, the Southwest Laguna Grande Dam is designed by Golder Associates and plays a vital role in water management and flood control within Eddy County. The dam's uncontrolled spillway, with a width of 30 feet, can handle a maximum discharge of 350 cubic feet per second. Although it faces moderate risk and requires attention to risk management measures, the dam's presence provides essential irrigation and conservation benefits to the region, contributing to sustainable water resource practices.
With Xochitl Torres Small (D) as the representative for the area, the Southwest Laguna Grande Dam stands as a critical infrastructure project that highlights the intersection of water resource management and climate resilience in New Mexico. As enthusiasts of water resources and climate change, understanding and supporting the maintenance and improvement of structures like the Southwest Laguna Grande Dam is essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability and safety of water systems in the region.
Year Completed |
2009 |
Dam Length |
5860 |
Dam Height |
6 |
River Or Stream |
PECOS RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
4710 |
Hydraulic Height |
3.5 |
Drainage Area |
362.5 |
Nid Storage |
39800 |
Structural Height |
9 |
Outlet Gates |
Needle - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Foundations |
Soil |
Nid Height |
9 |
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.
Southwest Laguna Grande Dam