Questa Tailings Dam 4
Key Takeaway
Questa Tailings Dam 4 is classified as high hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1966 and is 60 years old. Its primary use is tailings. 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 | 212 ft (taller than 96.6% in NM) |
| Dam Length | 6,175 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 21.3K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 19.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 301 acres |
| Drainage Area | 5 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1966 (60 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2005 |
| NID ID | NM00408 |
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
CHEVRON MINING INC.
Private
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Questa Tailings Dam 4?
Questa Tailings Dam 4 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 Questa Tailings Dam 4?
Questa Tailings Dam 4 is owned by CHEVRON MINING INC. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Questa Tailings Dam 4 built?
Questa Tailings Dam 4 was completed in 1966, making it 60 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 Questa Tailings Dam 4?
Questa Tailings Dam 4 serves the following purposes: Tailings. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Questa Tailings Dam 4?
Questa Tailings Dam 4 has a dam height of 212 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 Questa Tailings Dam 4 last inspected?
Questa Tailings Dam 4 was last inspected on September 16, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.