Mesilla Diversion

RIO GRANDE RIVER· Doña Ana, New Mexico· Built 1915· Concrete· 22 ft tall
Low Hazard Irrigation Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Mesilla Diversion 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 22 ft (taller than 22.4% in NM)
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage60 acre-ft
Normal Storage50 acre-ft
Year Completed1915 (111 years old)
NID IDNM00008

Safety Information

Low Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
State Regulated: No

Ownership

RECLAMATION

Federal Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Mesilla Diversion?

Mesilla Diversion 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 Mesilla Diversion?

Mesilla Diversion is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Mesilla Diversion built?

Mesilla Diversion 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 Mesilla Diversion?

Mesilla Diversion serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Mesilla Diversion?

Mesilla Diversion has a dam height of 22 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.

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.