Nambe Falls
Key Takeaway
Nambe Falls is classified as high hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1975 and is 51 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond. 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 | 150 ft (taller than 95.1% in NM) |
| Dam Length | 1,021 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 2.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.7K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 59 acres |
| Drainage Area | 34 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 22,500 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1975 (51 years old) |
| NID ID | NM00412 |
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
RECLAMATION
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Nambe Falls?
Nambe Falls 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 Nambe Falls?
Nambe Falls is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Nambe Falls built?
Nambe Falls was completed in 1975, making it 51 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 Nambe Falls?
Nambe Falls serves the following purposes: Fish And Wildlife Pond, Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Nambe Falls?
Nambe Falls has a dam height of 150 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 Nambe Falls last inspected?
Nambe Falls was last inspected on September 16, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.