Cobre Main Tailings Dam
Key Takeaway
Cobre Main Tailings Dam is classified as high hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1968 and is 58 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 | 310 ft (taller than 99.1% in NM) |
| Dam Length | 5,540 ft |
| Dam Type | Other |
| Max Storage | 1.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 131 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1968 (58 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2006 |
| NID ID | NM00417 |
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 Cobre Main Tailings Dam?
Cobre Main Tailings 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 Cobre Main Tailings Dam?
Cobre Main Tailings Dam is owned by FREEPORT MCMORAN CORPORATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Cobre Main Tailings Dam built?
Cobre Main Tailings Dam was completed in 1968, making it 58 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 Cobre Main Tailings Dam?
Cobre Main Tailings Dam 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 Cobre Main Tailings Dam?
Cobre Main Tailings Dam has a dam height of 310 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 Cobre Main Tailings Dam last inspected?
Cobre Main Tailings Dam was last inspected on July 1, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.