Power Lake Dam

EL RITO CREEK· Guadalupe, New Mexico· Built 1927· Other· 25 ft tall
High Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Power Lake Dam is classified as high hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1927 and is 99 years old. Its primary use is recreation. 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 25 ft (taller than 29.1% in NM)
Dam Length360 ft
Dam TypeOther
Max Storage196 acre-ft
Normal Storage9 acre-ft
Surface Area13 acres
Drainage Area37 sq mi
Max Discharge3,200 cfs
Year Completed1927 (99 years old)
Year Modified2002
NID IDNM00319

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: November 18, 2015
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: OFFICE OF THE STATE ENGINEER

Ownership

CITY OF SANTA ROSA

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Power Lake Dam?

Power 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 Power Lake Dam?

Power Lake Dam is owned by CITY OF SANTA ROSA (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Power Lake Dam built?

Power Lake Dam was completed in 1927, making it 99 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 Power Lake Dam?

Power Lake Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Power Lake Dam?

Power Lake Dam has a dam height of 25 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 Power Lake Dam last inspected?

Power Lake Dam was last inspected on November 18, 2015. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

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.