Chino Mines Tailings Dam No. 7
Key Takeaway
Chino Mines Tailings Dam No. 7 is classified as high hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1988 and is 38 years old. Its primary use is tailings. 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 | 230 ft (taller than 97.2% in NM) |
| Dam Length | 24,200 ft |
| Dam Type | Other |
| Max Storage | 19.8K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,317 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1988 (38 years old) |
| NID ID | NM00505 |
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
FREEPORT MCMORAN CORPORATION
Private
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Chino Mines Tailings Dam No. 7?
Chino Mines Tailings Dam No. 7 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 Chino Mines Tailings Dam No. 7?
Chino Mines Tailings Dam No. 7 is owned by FREEPORT MCMORAN CORPORATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Chino Mines Tailings Dam No. 7 built?
Chino Mines Tailings Dam No. 7 was completed in 1988, making it 38 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 Chino Mines Tailings Dam No. 7?
Chino Mines Tailings Dam No. 7 serves the following purposes: Tailings. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Chino Mines Tailings Dam No. 7?
Chino Mines Tailings Dam No. 7 has a dam height of 230 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 Chino Mines Tailings Dam No. 7 last inspected?
Chino Mines Tailings Dam No. 7 was last inspected on June 30, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.