Red Lake
Key Takeaway
Red Lake is classified as high hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1895 and is 131 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 Length | 2,600 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Normal Storage | 11.3K acre-ft |
| Year Completed | 1895 (131 years old) |
| NID ID | NM00151 |
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
BIA
Federal Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Red Lake?
Red Lake 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 Red Lake?
Red Lake is owned by BIA (Federal Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Red Lake built?
Red Lake was completed in 1895, making it 131 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 Red Lake?
Red Lake serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
When was Red Lake last inspected?
Red Lake was last inspected on March 14, 2012. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.