Rio Puerco Detention Dam #8 dam
Rio Puerco Detention Dam #8
Rio Puerco Detention Dam #8, located in Cuba, New Mexico, is a federal structure owned and managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Designed for flood risk reduction along the Rio Puerco river, this gravity dam stands at a hydraulic height of 25 feet with a structural height of 22 feet. With a storage capacity of 80.31 acre-feet, the dam serves its primary purpose effectively, safeguarding the surrounding area from potential flooding events.
Despite its low hazard potential and unlisted foundation type, Rio Puerco Detention Dam #8 has not been rated for its condition assessment. The last inspection in July 2020 indicated no specific concerns, and the dam's emergency action plan status remains unspecified. While the dam's risk management measures, including inundation maps and risk assessments, are not clearly defined, its presence contributes significantly to the overall flood control efforts in the region. Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the strategic placement and functionality of this essential infrastructure in protecting the community from potential water-related disasters.
With a rich history of construction and operation by the Bureau of Land Management since its completion date remains unknown, Rio Puerco Detention Dam #8 stands as a critical component in the flood risk reduction efforts in Sandoval County, New Mexico. As an integral part of the region's water resource management system, this gravity dam serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts of federal agencies in safeguarding communities and natural landscapes from the impacts of extreme weather events. Its strategic location and design reflect a commitment to sustainable water management practices, making it an intriguing subject for enthusiasts interested in the intersection of water resources and climate resilience.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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, environmental 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.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Rio Puerco Detention Dam #8 -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Rio Puerco Abv Arroyo Chico Nr Guadalupe | 2 cfs | → |
| Rio Chama Above Abiquiu Reservoir | 127 cfs | → |
| Arroyo Chico Nr Guadalupe | · | → |
| Jemez River Near Jemez | 12 cfs | → |
| Rio Chama Below Abiquiu Dam | 150 cfs | → |
| Rio Chama Below El Vado Dam | 146 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Rio Puerco Detention Dam #8.
Campgrounds
- Clear Creek Campground
- Clear Creek
- Clear Creek Campground Group Area
- Rio De Las Vacas Campground
- Rio De Las Vacas
- Resumidero Camping Area
Fishing spots
- Dark Canyon Fishing Site
- Rincon Fishing Site
- Bluffs Fishing Site
- River's Bend Fishing Site
- San Diego Fishing Site
- Las Casitas Fishing Site
Track Rio Puerco Detention Dam #8 in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Rio Puerco Detention Dam #8
Where does the data for Rio Puerco Detention Dam #8 come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the Low hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Rio Puerco Detention Dam #8.