Caballo Arroyo Dam No. 1
Key Takeaway
Caballo Arroyo Dam No. 1 is classified as high hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1959 and is 67 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 | 28 ft (taller than 38.7% in NM) |
| Dam Length | 800 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 79 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 2,464 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1959 (67 years old) |
| NID ID | NM00216 |
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
CABALLO SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Percha Diversion
Sierra, NM
Low Hazard 19 ftCaballo
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High Hazard 96 ftGreen Canyon Dam
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High Hazard 89 ftGrubstake Tailings Dam
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Low Hazard 70 ftCounty Line Detention Dam
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High Hazard 32 ftKight Flood Retard Dam
Doña Ana, NM
High Hazard 34 ftCaballo Arroyo Dam No. 2
Doña Ana, NM
High Hazard 23 ftHatch Valley Arroyo Dam No. 6
Doña Ana, NM
High Hazard 46 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Caballo Arroyo Dam No. 1?
Caballo Arroyo 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 Caballo Arroyo Dam No. 1?
Caballo Arroyo Dam No. 1 is owned by CABALLO SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Caballo Arroyo Dam No. 1 built?
Caballo Arroyo Dam No. 1 was completed in 1959, making it 67 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 Caballo Arroyo Dam No. 1?
Caballo Arroyo 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 Caballo Arroyo Dam No. 1?
Caballo Arroyo Dam No. 1 has a dam height of 28 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 Caballo Arroyo Dam No. 1 last inspected?
Caballo Arroyo Dam No. 1 was last inspected on June 2, 2015. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.