Las Ventanas Detention Dam
Key Takeaway
Las Ventanas Detention Dam is classified as high hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1999 and is 27 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 | 17 ft (taller than 12.3% in NM) |
| Dam Length | 5,925 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 323 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 57 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 17,590 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1999 (27 years old) |
| NID ID | NM00591 |
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
ALBUQUERQUE METRO ARROYO FLOOD CONTROL AUTHORITY
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Swinburne Dam
Bernalillo, NM
High Hazard 34 ftBoca Negra Detention Dam
Bernalillo, NM
High Hazard 26 ftBlack Arroyo Detention Dam
Bernalillo, NM
High Hazard 26 ftMariposa Dam
Bernalillo, NM
High Hazard 16 ftPiedras Marcadas Detention Dam
Bernalillo, NM
High Hazard 28 ftLadera Dam No. 15
Bernalillo, NM
High Hazard 10 ftMontoyas Arroyo Sportsplex Dam
Sandoval, NM
High Hazard 26 ftLadera Dam No. 14
Bernalillo, NM
High Hazard 14 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Las Ventanas Detention Dam?
Las Ventanas Detention 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 Ventanas Detention Dam?
Las Ventanas Detention Dam is owned by ALBUQUERQUE METRO ARROYO FLOOD CONTROL AUTHORITY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Las Ventanas Detention Dam built?
Las Ventanas Detention Dam was completed in 1999, making it 27 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 Ventanas Detention Dam?
Las Ventanas Detention 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 Ventanas Detention Dam?
Las Ventanas Detention Dam has a dam height of 17 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 Ventanas Detention Dam last inspected?
Las Ventanas Detention Dam was last inspected on January 14, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.