Costilla Dam
Key Takeaway
Costilla Dam is classified as high hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1920 and is 106 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. 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 | 138 ft (taller than 93.6% in NM) |
| Dam Length | 780 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 30.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 15.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 416 acres |
| Drainage Area | 55 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 20,200 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1920 (106 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1993 |
| NID ID | NM00020 |
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
RIO COSTILLA COOPERATIVE LIVESTOCK ASSOCIATION
Private
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Costilla Dam?
Costilla 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 Costilla Dam?
Costilla Dam is owned by RIO COSTILLA COOPERATIVE LIVESTOCK ASSOCIATION (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Costilla Dam built?
Costilla Dam was completed in 1920, making it 106 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 Costilla Dam?
Costilla Dam serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Costilla Dam?
Costilla Dam has a dam height of 138 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 Costilla Dam last inspected?
Costilla Dam was last inspected on June 19, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.