Arroyo Del Oso Detention Dam
Key Takeaway
Arroyo Del Oso Detention Dam is classified as high hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1956 and is 70 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 | 38 ft (taller than 60.7% in NM) |
| Dam Length | 3,061 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 840 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 32 acres |
| Drainage Area | 15 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 36,500 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1956 (70 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1981 |
| NID ID | NM00314 |
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
CITY OF ALBUQUERQUE
Local Government
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High Hazard 28 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Arroyo Del Oso Detention Dam?
Arroyo Del Oso Detention Dam 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 Arroyo Del Oso Detention Dam?
Arroyo Del Oso Detention Dam is owned by CITY OF ALBUQUERQUE (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Arroyo Del Oso Detention Dam built?
Arroyo Del Oso Detention Dam was completed in 1956, making it 70 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 Arroyo Del Oso Detention Dam?
Arroyo Del Oso Detention Dam 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 Arroyo Del Oso Detention Dam?
Arroyo Del Oso Detention Dam has a dam height of 38 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 Arroyo Del Oso Detention Dam last inspected?
Arroyo Del Oso Detention Dam was last inspected on August 31, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.