Percha Diversion

RIO GRANDE RIVER· Sierra, New Mexico· Built 1917· Concrete· 19 ft tall
Low Hazard Irrigation Federal Government

Key Takeaway

Percha Diversion is classified as low hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1917 and is 109 years old. Its primary use is irrigation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 19 ft (taller than 15% in NM)
Dam Length2,720 ft
Dam TypeConcrete
Max Storage500 acre-ft
Normal Storage450 acre-ft
Max Discharge27,300 cfs
Year Completed1917 (109 years old)
NID IDNM00009

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 Percha Diversion?

Percha 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 Percha Diversion?

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

When was Percha Diversion built?

Percha Diversion was completed in 1917, making it 109 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 Percha Diversion?

Percha 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 Percha Diversion?

Percha Diversion has a dam height of 19 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.