Navajo
Key Takeaway
Navajo is classified as high hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1962 and is 64 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 402 ft (taller than 99.7% in NM) |
| Dam Length | 3,648 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.0M acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.7M acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 19,000 acres |
| Drainage Area | 3,190 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 34,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1962 (64 years old) |
| NID ID | NM00120 |
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 Navajo?
Navajo 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 Navajo?
Navajo is owned by RECLAMATION (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Navajo built?
Navajo was completed in 1962, making it 64 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 Navajo?
Navajo serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Navajo?
Navajo has a dam height of 402 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 Navajo last inspected?
Navajo was last inspected on September 24, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.