Cochiti Dam
Key Takeaway
Cochiti Dam is classified as high hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1975 and is 51 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 | 251 ft (taller than 97.9% in NM) |
| Dam Length | 28,300 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 722.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 50.1K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,200 acres |
| Drainage Area | 14,635 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 136,360 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1975 (51 years old) |
| NID ID | NM00404 |
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
USACE - Albuquerque District
Federal Government
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Cochiti Dam?
Cochiti 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 Cochiti Dam?
Cochiti Dam is owned by USACE - Albuquerque District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Cochiti Dam built?
Cochiti Dam was completed in 1975, making it 51 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 Cochiti Dam?
Cochiti Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Other, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Cochiti Dam?
Cochiti Dam has a dam height of 251 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 Cochiti Dam last inspected?
Cochiti Dam was last inspected on July 22, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.