Arroyo Del Oso Detention Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 25, 2025
Arroyo Del Oso Detention Dam, also known as South Bear Canyon Detention Dam, is a critical water management structure located in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
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Summary
Constructed in 1956 by Bovay Engineers, Inc., this earth dam stands at a height of 38 feet with a structural height of 44 feet, spanning a length of 3061 feet. Its primary purpose is flood risk reduction, serving to protect the surrounding area from potential inundation during periods of high discharge.
Managed by local government authorities and regulated by the Office of the State Engineer, the dam has a hazard potential classified as high, with a fair condition assessment as of August 2020. Despite its age, this essential infrastructure continues to play a vital role in water resource management, with a storage capacity of 840 acre-feet and a maximum discharge rate of 36,500 cubic feet per second. The dam's spillway, which is uncontrolled and 300 feet wide, helps to manage excess water flow during extreme weather events.
Given its strategic location along the South Fork Bear Canyon Arroyo, Arroyo Del Oso Detention Dam serves as a crucial line of defense against potential flooding in the region. With a moderate risk assessment rating and regular inspection schedule, this dam exemplifies the intersection of water resource management, climate resilience, and public safety in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Year Completed |
1956 |
Dam Length |
3061 |
Dam Height |
38 |
River Or Stream |
SOUTH FORK BEAR CANYON ARROYO |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
32 |
Drainage Area |
14.86 |
Nid Storage |
840 |
Structural Height |
44 |
Outlet Gates |
Uncontrolled - 0 |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Nid Height |
44 |
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.
Arroyo Del Oso Detention Dam
Below Ellis Ranch To Private Land Boundary