Caballo
Key Takeaway
Caballo is classified as high hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1937 and is 89 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 | 96 ft (taller than 89.6% in NM) |
| Dam Length | 4,558 ft |
| Dam Type | Rockfill |
| Max Storage | 379.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 231.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 14,530 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,300 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 30,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1937 (89 years old) |
| NID ID | NM00131 |
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
RECLAMATION
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Caballo Arroyo Dam No. 1
Sierra, NM
High Hazard 28 ftPercha Diversion
Sierra, NM
Low Hazard 19 ftGrubstake Tailings Dam
Sierra, NM
Low Hazard 70 ftGreen Canyon Dam
Sierra, NM
High Hazard 89 ftCounty Line Detention Dam
Sierra, NM
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?
Caballo 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?
Caballo is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Caballo built?
Caballo was completed in 1937, making it 89 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?
Caballo serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Irrigation, Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Caballo?
Caballo has a dam height of 96 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 last inspected?
Caballo was last inspected on November 21, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.