Black Arroyo Detention Dam
Key Takeaway
Black Arroyo Detention Dam is classified as high hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1992 and is 34 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 | 26 ft (taller than 32.2% in NM) |
| Dam Length | 3,273 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 486 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 23 acres |
| Drainage Area | 10 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 21,428 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1992 (34 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2008 |
| NID ID | NM00538 |
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
ALBUQUERQUE METRO ARROYO FLOOD CONTROL AUTHORITY
Local Government
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What is the hazard classification of Black Arroyo Detention Dam?
Black Arroyo 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 Black Arroyo Detention Dam?
Black Arroyo Detention Dam is owned by ALBUQUERQUE METRO ARROYO FLOOD CONTROL AUTHORITY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Black Arroyo Detention Dam built?
Black Arroyo Detention Dam was completed in 1992, making it 34 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 Black Arroyo Detention Dam?
Black Arroyo 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 Black Arroyo Detention Dam?
Black Arroyo Detention Dam has a dam height of 26 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 Black Arroyo Detention Dam last inspected?
Black Arroyo Detention Dam was last inspected on November 26, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.