Jemez Canyon Dam
Key Takeaway
Jemez Canyon Dam is classified as high hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1953 and is 73 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 | 149 ft (taller than 94.8% in NM) |
| Dam Length | 870 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 264.7K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 29.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 1,396 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1,034 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 319,300 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1953 (73 years old) |
| NID ID | NM00003 |
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
USACE - Albuquerque District
Federal Government
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What is the hazard classification of Jemez Canyon Dam?
Jemez Canyon 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 Jemez Canyon Dam?
Jemez Canyon Dam is owned by USACE - Albuquerque District (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Jemez Canyon Dam built?
Jemez Canyon 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 Jemez Canyon Dam?
Jemez Canyon Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Jemez Canyon Dam?
Jemez Canyon Dam has a dam height of 149 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 Jemez Canyon Dam last inspected?
Jemez Canyon Dam was last inspected on March 4, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.