Grady Hamilton Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Grady Hamilton, located in Rio Arriba, New Mexico, is a Federal-owned dam managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This Earth dam stands at a structural height of 27 feet and has a length of 400 feet, with a storage capacity of 118 acre-feet. The dam is situated on the Rio Chama -TR river, within the Albuquerque District of New Mexico.

Despite its critical purpose in water resource management, Grady Hamilton has a high hazard potential and is in need of regular inspections, with the last recorded inspection dating back to July 2012. The condition assessment is currently listed as "Not Available", highlighting the importance of monitoring and maintenance for the safety of surrounding communities and the environment. With its unsurveyed location and limited risk management measures in place, there is a need for continued attention to ensure the dam's stability and functionality in the face of changing climate patterns.

For water resource and climate enthusiasts, Grady Hamilton serves as a noteworthy case study in the intersection of infrastructure management and environmental sustainability. As the dam's future remains uncertain without recent condition assessments or emergency action plans, there is an opportunity for stakeholders to advocate for increased monitoring and risk mitigation strategies. Understanding the potential impacts of climate change on water infrastructure, such as dams like Grady Hamilton, is crucial in safeguarding our communities and ecosystems for generations to come.

Dam Length

400

River Or Stream

RIO CHAMA -TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Nid Storage

118

Structural Height

27

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

27
       
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.