Hopewell Lake Dam

PLACER CREEK· Rio Arriba, New Mexico· Built 1953· Earth· 27 ft tall
Significant Hazard Recreation State Government

Key Takeaway

Hopewell Lake Dam is classified as significant hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1953 and is 73 years old. Its primary use is recreation. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 27 ft (taller than 35.9% in NM)
Dam Length340 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage170 acre-ft
Normal Storage80 acre-ft
Surface Area13 acres
Drainage Area6 sq mi
Max Discharge1,815 cfs
Year Completed1953 (73 years old)
NID IDNM00155

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: November 3, 2015
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: OFFICE OF THE STATE ENGINEER

Ownership

NEW MEXICO DEPARTMENT OF GAME AND FISH

State Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Hopewell Lake Dam?

Hopewell Lake Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Hopewell Lake Dam?

Hopewell Lake Dam is owned by NEW MEXICO DEPARTMENT OF GAME AND FISH (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Hopewell Lake Dam built?

Hopewell Lake Dam was completed in 1953, making it 73 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 Hopewell Lake Dam?

Hopewell Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Hopewell Lake Dam?

Hopewell Lake Dam has a dam height of 27 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 Hopewell Lake Dam last inspected?

Hopewell Lake Dam was last inspected on November 3, 2015. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.