San Juan Power Generation Dam

SAN JUAN RIVER - OS· San Juan, New Mexico· Built 1972· Earth· 76 ft tall
High Hazard Other Public Utility

Key Takeaway

San Juan Power Generation Dam is classified as high hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1972 and is 54 years old. Its primary use is other. 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 76 ft (taller than 85% in NM)
Dam Length1,760 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage3.3K acre-ft
Normal Storage2.6K acre-ft
Surface Area107 acres
Drainage Area2 sq mi
Max Discharge930 cfs
Year Completed1972 (54 years old)
Year Modified1981
NID IDNM00346

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: May 8, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: OFFICE OF THE STATE ENGINEER

Ownership

PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW MEXICO

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of San Juan Power Generation Dam?

San Juan Power Generation 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 San Juan Power Generation Dam?

San Juan Power Generation Dam is owned by PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW MEXICO (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was San Juan Power Generation Dam built?

San Juan Power Generation Dam was completed in 1972, making it 54 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 San Juan Power Generation Dam?

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

How tall is San Juan Power Generation Dam?

San Juan Power Generation Dam has a dam height of 76 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 San Juan Power Generation Dam last inspected?

San Juan Power Generation Dam was last inspected on May 8, 2019. 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.