Apache Brazito Mesquite Dam No. 1
Key Takeaway
Apache Brazito Mesquite Dam No. 1 is classified as high hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1964 and is 62 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 33 ft (taller than 52.1% in NM) |
| Dam Length | 1,050 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 305 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 3 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,944 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1964 (62 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1967 |
| NID ID | NM00204 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
ELEPHANT BUTTE IRRIGATION DISTRICT
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Fillmore Site 3 Dam
Doña Ana, NM
High Hazard 24 ftFillmore Site 2 Dam
Doña Ana, NM
Significant Hazard 19 ftFillmore Site 1 Dam
Doña Ana, NM
High Hazard 42 ftApache Brazito Mesquite Dam No. 2
Doña Ana, NM
High Hazard 55 ftApache Brazito Mesquite Dam No. 3
Doña Ana, NM
High Hazard 44 ftTortugas Site 2 Dam
Doña Ana, NM
High Hazard 23 ftTortugas Site 1 Dam
Doña Ana, NM
High Hazard 48 ftApache Brazito Mesquite Dam No. 4
Doña Ana, NM
High Hazard 33 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Apache Brazito Mesquite Dam No. 1?
Apache Brazito Mesquite Dam No. 1 is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Apache Brazito Mesquite Dam No. 1?
Apache Brazito Mesquite Dam No. 1 is owned by ELEPHANT BUTTE IRRIGATION DISTRICT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Apache Brazito Mesquite Dam No. 1 built?
Apache Brazito Mesquite Dam No. 1 was completed in 1964, making it 62 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Apache Brazito Mesquite Dam No. 1?
Apache Brazito Mesquite Dam No. 1 serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Apache Brazito Mesquite Dam No. 1?
Apache Brazito Mesquite Dam No. 1 has a dam height of 33 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Apache Brazito Mesquite Dam No. 1 last inspected?
Apache Brazito Mesquite Dam No. 1 was last inspected on December 17, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.