Lauson Arroyo Flood Detention Dam

LAUSON ARROYO· Doña Ana, New Mexico· Built 1996· Earth· 26 ft tall
High Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Lauson Arroyo Flood Detention Dam is classified as high hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1996 and is 30 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 26 ft (taller than 32.2% in NM)
Dam Length1,100 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage329 acre-ft
Normal Storage0 acre-ft
Surface Area2 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Max Discharge13,536 cfs
Year Completed1996 (30 years old)
NID IDNM00585

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: March 20, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: OFFICE OF THE STATE ENGINEER

Ownership

DONA ANA COUNTY FLOOD COMMISSION

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Lauson Arroyo Flood Detention Dam?

Lauson Arroyo Flood 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 Lauson Arroyo Flood Detention Dam?

Lauson Arroyo Flood Detention Dam is owned by DONA ANA COUNTY FLOOD COMMISSION (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Lauson Arroyo Flood Detention Dam built?

Lauson Arroyo Flood Detention Dam was completed in 1996, making it 30 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 Lauson Arroyo Flood Detention Dam?

Lauson Arroyo Flood 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 Lauson Arroyo Flood Detention Dam?

Lauson Arroyo Flood Detention Dam has a dam height of 26 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 Lauson Arroyo Flood Detention Dam last inspected?

Lauson Arroyo Flood Detention Dam was last inspected on March 20, 2019. 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.