Lake Mescalero
Key Takeaway
Lake Mescalero is classified as high hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1974 and is 52 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 Length | 1,335 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Normal Storage | 3.0K acre-ft |
| Year Completed | 1974 (52 years old) |
| NID ID | NM00161 |
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
BIA
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Lake Mescalero?
Lake Mescalero 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 Lake Mescalero?
Lake Mescalero is owned by BIA (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Lake Mescalero built?
Lake Mescalero was completed in 1974, making it 52 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 Lake Mescalero?
Lake Mescalero serves the following purposes: Recreation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
When was Lake Mescalero last inspected?
Lake Mescalero was last inspected on June 13, 2012. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.