Flanders Detention Dam Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 24, 2025
Flanders Detention Dam, located in Socorro, New Mexico, is a federally owned structure managed by the Bureau of Land Management with a primary purpose of debris control along the RIO PUERCO Tributary.
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Summary
Built in 1970, this gravity dam stands at a hydraulic height of 21 feet and a structural height of 26 feet, with a total length of 443 feet. With a storage capacity of 15.5 acre-feet and a surface area of 12.6 acres, the dam plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and ensuring water resource management in the region.
Despite being classified as having a low hazard potential, Flanders Detention Dam undergoes inspections every five years to assess its condition and ensure its safety and functionality. While the dam is not currently rated for its condition, it remains an essential infrastructure for maintaining the health and stability of the surrounding environment. With no regulatory oversight from the state, the Bureau of Land Management continues to fund and operate the dam, highlighting the critical role of federal agencies in managing water resources and climate-related risks in the region.
As a key component in the water resource infrastructure of New Mexico, Flanders Detention Dam serves as a testament to the ongoing efforts to control debris and mitigate potential hazards in the area. With its design rooted in gravity principles and constructed with buttress and stone core types, the dam stands as a vital structure for safeguarding against natural disasters and supporting the sustainable management of water resources. The dam's strategic location and operational oversight by the Bureau of Land Management underscore the importance of federal involvement in maintaining and regulating essential water management infrastructure in the face of changing climate patterns and environmental challenges.
Hydraulic Height |
21 |
Year Completed |
1970 |
Structural Height |
26 |
Nid Storage |
15.5 |
Foundations |
Unlisted/Unknown |
Surface Area |
12.6 |
River Or Stream |
RIO PUERCO Tributary |
Dam Length |
443 |
Hazard Potential |
Low |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Nid Height |
26 |
Seasonal Comparison
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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.
Flanders Detention Dam