Las Cruces Dam
Key Takeaway
Las Cruces Dam is classified as high hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1975 and is 51 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 | 67 ft (taller than 82.2% in NM) |
| Dam Length | 15,570 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 13.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 550 acres |
| Drainage Area | 29 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 30,400 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1975 (51 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1999 |
| NID ID | NM00405 |
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
CITY OF LAS CRUCES
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Sand Hill Arroyo Dam
Doña Ana, NM
High Hazard 27 ftSouth Fork Dam
Doña Ana, NM
Low Hazard 40 ftDona Ana Site 1
Doña Ana, NM
High Hazard 37 ftNorth Fork Dam
Doña Ana, NM
Low Hazard 35 ftAlameda Dam
Doña Ana, NM
Low HazardMcclernon Dam
Doña Ana, NM
Low Hazard 28 ftTortugas Site 1 Dam
Doña Ana, NM
High Hazard 48 ftDona Ana Site 2
Doña Ana, NM
High Hazard 31 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Las Cruces Dam?
Las Cruces 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 Las Cruces Dam?
Las Cruces Dam is owned by CITY OF LAS CRUCES (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Las Cruces Dam built?
Las Cruces Dam was completed in 1975, making it 51 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 Las Cruces Dam?
Las Cruces Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Las Cruces Dam?
Las Cruces Dam has a dam height of 67 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 Las Cruces Dam last inspected?
Las Cruces Dam was last inspected on February 26, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.