Santa Rosa Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 24, 2025

Santa Rosa Dam, also known as Santa Rosa Lake, is a federal rockfill dam located on the Pecos River in New Mexico.


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Summary

Completed in 1979, the dam stands at a height of 214 feet and has a storage capacity of 717,000 acre-feet. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, with additional benefits for irrigation and recreation. However, despite the dam's success in reducing flooding, there remains a high hazard potential, especially in the event of uncontrolled spillway flow, which could lead to catastrophic downstream damages to residences and infrastructure along the Pecos River.

To manage the risk associated with the Santa Rosa Dam, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) implements various measures such as routine inspections, maintenance activities, and risk communication. Inspections and evaluations are conducted regularly to monitor the dam's performance, with increased frequency during high pool levels or in response to external factors like earthquakes. Maintenance activities focus on gate rehabilitation, electrical and mechanical component replacements, and vegetation removal. Additionally, risk communication efforts include revising the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and coordinating flood warnings with downstream communities to ensure timely notifications in case of emergencies.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

1900

Dam Height

214

River Or Stream

PECOS RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Rockfill

Surface Area

16670

Hydraulic Height

208

Drainage Area

2434

Nid Storage

717000

Structural Height

214

Outlet Gates

Vertical Lift - 0

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

214
       
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.