Lake Isabel Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 23, 2025
Lake Isabel Dam, located in San Miguel, New Mexico, stands as a vital irrigation structure completed in 1919.
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Summary
With a height of 15 feet and a length of 2100 feet, this Earth-type dam boasts a storage capacity of 6500 acre-feet, serving the agricultural needs of the region. Positioned on the Sapello-Tr River, the dam's primary purpose is irrigation, supporting a drainage area of 3 square miles and a surface area of 600 acres.
Despite its historical significance, Lake Isabel Dam has been rated as having poor condition and a low hazard potential. The dam has a moderate risk assessment level of 3, with the last inspection conducted in June 2016. The dam is managed by a private owner and regulated by the Office of the State Engineer in New Mexico, ensuring state permitting, inspection, and enforcement protocols are in place. With a spillway width of 26 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 300 cubic feet per second, the dam continues to play a crucial role in water resource management in the region.
Year Completed |
1919 |
Dam Length |
2100 |
Dam Height |
15 |
River Or Stream |
SAPELLO-TR |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
600 |
Drainage Area |
3 |
Nid Storage |
6500 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
15 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Mora River Near Golondrinas
|
17cfs |
Coyote Creek Near Golondrinas
|
6cfs |
Gallinas Creek Near Montezuma
|
10cfs |
Mora River At La Cueva
|
12cfs |
Gallinas River Near Lourdes
|
4cfs |
Rio Mora Near Terrero
|
11cfs |
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.
Lake Isabel Dam