Maxwell Dam No. 12
Key Takeaway
Maxwell Dam No. 12 is classified as low hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1915 and is 111 years old. Its primary use is irrigation.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 20 ft (taller than 17.2% in NM) |
| Dam Length | 2,400 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 3.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 335 acres |
| Drainage Area | 4 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 5,600 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1915 (111 years old) |
| NID ID | NM00289 |
Safety Information
No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
VERMEJO CONSERVANCY DISTRICT
Private
Nearby Dams
Maxwell Dam No. 13
Colfax, NM
Low Hazard 32 ftMaxwell Dam No. 11
Colfax, NM
Low Hazard 15 ftMaxwell Dam No. 14
Colfax, NM
Low Hazard 19 ftMaxwell Dam No. 2
Colfax, NM
Low Hazard 12 ftStubblefield Dam
Colfax, NM
Significant Hazard 43 ftVan Bruggen Reservoir Dam
Colfax, NM
Low Hazard 23 ftSpringer Lake Dam
Colfax, NM
High Hazard 29 ftSaltpeter Creek Site 1a
Colfax, NM
Significant Hazard 72 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Maxwell Dam No. 12?
Maxwell Dam No. 12 is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Maxwell Dam No. 12?
Maxwell Dam No. 12 is owned by VERMEJO CONSERVANCY DISTRICT (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Maxwell Dam No. 12 built?
Maxwell Dam No. 12 was completed in 1915, making it 111 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 Maxwell Dam No. 12?
Maxwell Dam No. 12 serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Other. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Maxwell Dam No. 12?
Maxwell Dam No. 12 has a dam height of 20 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 Maxwell Dam No. 12 last inspected?
Maxwell Dam No. 12 was last inspected on April 6, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.