Picacho North Dam
Key Takeaway
Picacho North Dam is classified as high hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1954 and is 72 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 | 42 ft (taller than 64.7% in NM) |
| Dam Length | 1,610 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 970 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 58 acres |
| Drainage Area | 8 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 4,200 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1954 (72 years old) |
| NID ID | NM00012 |
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
ELEPHANT BUTTE IRRIGATION DISTRICT
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Picacho South Dam
Doña Ana, NM
High Hazard 28 ftDona Ana Site 2
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High Hazard 37 ftLas Cruces Dam
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High Hazard 67 ftLeasburg Arroyo Dam
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Significant Hazard 25 ftSand Hill Arroyo Dam
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High Hazard 27 ftRhodes Arroyo Retarding Dam
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Significant Hazard 45 ftMesilla Diversion
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Low Hazard 22 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Picacho North Dam?
Picacho North 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 Picacho North Dam?
Picacho North Dam is owned by ELEPHANT BUTTE IRRIGATION DISTRICT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Picacho North Dam built?
Picacho North Dam was completed in 1954, making it 72 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 Picacho North Dam?
Picacho North Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Picacho North Dam?
Picacho North Dam has a dam height of 42 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 Picacho North Dam last inspected?
Picacho North Dam was last inspected on December 17, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.