Morphy Lake Dam
Key Takeaway
Morphy Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1940 and is 86 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. 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 | 27 ft (taller than 35.9% in NM) |
| Dam Length | 436 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Normal Storage | 507 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 28 acres |
| Drainage Area | 0 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 153 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1940 (86 years old) |
| NID ID | NM00184 |
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
ACEQUIA DE LA ISLA & ACEQUIA DE LA SAN JOSE
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Morphy Lake Dam?
Morphy Lake 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 Morphy Lake Dam?
Morphy Lake Dam is owned by ACEQUIA DE LA ISLA & ACEQUIA DE LA SAN JOSE (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Morphy Lake Dam built?
Morphy Lake Dam was completed in 1940, making it 86 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 Morphy Lake Dam?
Morphy Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Morphy Lake Dam?
Morphy Lake Dam has a dam height of 27 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 Morphy Lake Dam last inspected?
Morphy Lake Dam was last inspected on June 15, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.