Conchas Dam
Key Takeaway
Conchas Dam is classified as high hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1940 and is 86 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 | 200 ft (taller than 96.3% in NM) |
| Dam Length | 19,500 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 709.1K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 61.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2,694 acres |
| Drainage Area | 7,409 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 632,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1940 (86 years old) |
| NID ID | NM00006 |
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 Conchas Dam?
Conchas 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 Conchas Dam?
Conchas Dam is owned by USACE - Albuquerque District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Conchas Dam built?
Conchas Dam was completed in 1940, making it 86 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 Conchas Dam?
Conchas Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Conchas Dam?
Conchas Dam has a dam height of 200 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 Conchas Dam last inspected?
Conchas Dam was last inspected on July 19, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.