Los Alamos Canyon Dam
Key Takeaway
Los Alamos Canyon Dam is classified as high hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1943 and is 83 years old. Its primary use is water supply. 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 | 49 ft (taller than 71.2% in NM) |
| Dam Length | 215 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 74 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 25 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 2 acres |
| Drainage Area | 6 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 6,899 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1943 (83 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2013 |
| NID ID | NM00299 |
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
LOS ALAMOS COUNTY
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Los Alamos Canyon Dam?
Los Alamos 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 Los Alamos Canyon Dam?
Los Alamos Canyon Dam is owned by LOS ALAMOS COUNTY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Los Alamos Canyon Dam built?
Los Alamos Canyon Dam was completed in 1943, making it 83 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 Los Alamos Canyon Dam?
Los Alamos Canyon Dam serves the following purposes: Water Supply, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Los Alamos Canyon Dam?
Los Alamos Canyon Dam has a dam height of 49 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 Los Alamos Canyon Dam last inspected?
Los Alamos Canyon Dam was last inspected on August 3, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.