Ramah Dam
Key Takeaway
Ramah Dam is classified as high hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1900 and is 126 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. 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 | 40 ft (taller than 63.2% in NM) |
| Dam Length | 1,100 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 9.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 514 acres |
| Drainage Area | 47 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 13,266 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1900 (126 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1944 |
| NID ID | NM00134 |
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
RAMAH LAND AND IRRIGATION COMPANY
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Ramah Dam?
Ramah 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 Ramah Dam?
Ramah Dam is owned by RAMAH LAND AND IRRIGATION COMPANY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Ramah Dam built?
Ramah Dam was completed in 1900, making it 126 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 Ramah Dam?
Ramah Dam 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 Ramah Dam?
Ramah Dam has a dam height of 40 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 Ramah Dam last inspected?
Ramah Dam was last inspected on April 19, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.