Cottonwood-Walnut Site #6
Key Takeaway
Cottonwood-Walnut Site #6 is classified as high hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1986 and is 40 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 | 53 ft (taller than 73.6% in NM) |
| Dam Length | 8,607 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 13.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Drainage Area | 49 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 95,600 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1986 (40 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1999 |
| NID ID | NM00502 |
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
COTTONWOOD-WALNUT CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Cottonwood-Walnut Site #6?
Cottonwood-Walnut Site #6 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 Cottonwood-Walnut Site #6?
Cottonwood-Walnut Site #6 is owned by COTTONWOOD-WALNUT CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Cottonwood-Walnut Site #6 built?
Cottonwood-Walnut Site #6 was completed in 1986, making it 40 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 Cottonwood-Walnut Site #6?
Cottonwood-Walnut Site #6 serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Cottonwood-Walnut Site #6?
Cottonwood-Walnut Site #6 has a dam height of 53 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 Cottonwood-Walnut Site #6 last inspected?
Cottonwood-Walnut Site #6 was last inspected on February 27, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.