Dona Ana Site 1
Key Takeaway
Dona Ana Site 1 is classified as high hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1956 and is 70 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 | 37 ft (taller than 59.8% in NM) |
| Dam Length | 1,780 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 660 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Drainage Area | 7 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 19,513 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1956 (70 years old) |
| NID ID | NM00215 |
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
ELEPHANT BUTTE IRRIGATION DISTRICT
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Dona Ana Site 2
Doña Ana, NM
High Hazard 31 ftLas Cruces Dam
Doña Ana, NM
High Hazard 67 ftSand Hill Arroyo Dam
Doña Ana, NM
High Hazard 27 ftPicacho North Dam
Doña Ana, NM
High Hazard 42 ftPicacho South Dam
Doña Ana, NM
High Hazard 28 ftAlameda Dam
Doña Ana, NM
Low HazardNorth Fork Dam
Doña Ana, NM
Low Hazard 35 ftSouth Fork Dam
Doña Ana, NM
Low Hazard 40 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Dona Ana Site 1?
Dona Ana Site 1 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 Dona Ana Site 1?
Dona Ana Site 1 is owned by ELEPHANT BUTTE IRRIGATION DISTRICT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Dona Ana Site 1 built?
Dona Ana Site 1 was completed in 1956, making it 70 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 Dona Ana Site 1?
Dona Ana Site 1 serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Debris Control. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Dona Ana Site 1?
Dona Ana Site 1 has a dam height of 37 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 Dona Ana Site 1 last inspected?
Dona Ana Site 1 was last inspected on November 2, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.