Montoya Detention Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Montoya Detention Dam in El Paso, Texas, stands as a critical structure designed by Dorado Engineering to mitigate flood risks in the region.


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Summary

Completed in 2007, this Earth-type dam spans 550 feet in length and reaches a height of 35 feet, providing essential flood risk reduction along the off-channel of the Rio Grande. With a storage capacity of 123 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 1217 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in protecting the surrounding area from flooding events.

Owned and regulated by the local government, Montoya Detention Dam undergoes regular inspections to ensure its structural integrity and operational effectiveness. With a fair condition assessment as of February 2016, the dam maintains a moderate risk level (3) and is equipped with uncontrolled spillways and outlet gates to manage water flow during high precipitation events. While hazard potential information is not available, the dam's risk management measures are continuously evaluated to uphold its flood risk reduction purpose and protect the community of El Paso.

With Veronica Escobar (D) serving as the representative for the Albuquerque District, Montoya Detention Dam remains a vital component of the region's water resource infrastructure. As an essential structure along the Rio Grande, the dam's presence highlights the importance of sustainable water management practices in the face of changing climate conditions. By fulfilling its flood risk reduction purpose and adhering to regulatory standards set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Montoya Detention Dam stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts to safeguard water resources and mitigate the impacts of climate variability in the El Paso area.

Year Completed

2007

Dam Length

550

Dam Height

35

River Or Stream

OFF-CHANNEL OF THE RIO GRANDE

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

12

Hydraulic Height

35

Drainage Area

0.58

Nid Storage

123

Structural Height

43

Outlet Gates

Uncontrolled - 2

Hazard Potential

Not Available

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

43
       
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.
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