Morgan Dam

Chaco Wash - TR· San Juan, New Mexico· Built 1961· Earth· 133 ft tall
High Hazard Other Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Morgan Dam is classified as high hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1961 and is 65 years old. Its primary use is other. 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 133 ft (taller than 93.3% in NM)
Dam Length6,760 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage42.8K acre-ft
Normal Storage39.2K acre-ft
Surface Area1,260 acres
Drainage Area4 sq mi
Max Discharge650 cfs
Year Completed1961 (65 years old)
NID IDNM00248

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: Yes
Last Inspection: November 20, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: OFFICE OF THE STATE ENGINEER

Ownership

Arizona Public Service Company

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Morgan Dam?

Morgan 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 Morgan Dam?

Morgan Dam is owned by Arizona Public Service Company (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Morgan Dam built?

Morgan Dam was completed in 1961, making it 65 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 Morgan Dam?

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

How tall is Morgan Dam?

Morgan Dam has a dam height of 133 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 Morgan Dam last inspected?

Morgan Dam was last inspected on November 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.