Elephant Butte
Key Takeaway
Elephant Butte is classified as high hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1915 and is 111 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 | 301 ft (taller than 98.8% in NM) |
| Dam Length | 1,674 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 2.6M acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.1M acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 42,750 acres |
| Drainage Area | 28,900 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 47,500 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1915 (111 years old) |
| NID ID | NM00129 |
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
RECLAMATION
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Elephant Butte?
Elephant Butte 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 Elephant Butte?
Elephant Butte is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Elephant Butte built?
Elephant Butte was completed in 1915, making it 111 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 Elephant Butte?
Elephant Butte serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Irrigation, Recreation, Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Elephant Butte?
Elephant Butte has a dam height of 301 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 Elephant Butte last inspected?
Elephant Butte was last inspected on November 21, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.