Santa Cruz Dam
Key Takeaway
Santa Cruz Dam is classified as high hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1929 and is 97 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 | 124 ft (taller than 92.3% in NM) |
| Dam Length | 502 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 5.9K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 100 acres |
| Drainage Area | 99 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 147,970 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1929 (97 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1990 |
| NID ID | NM00251 |
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
SANTA CRUZ IRRIGATION DISTRICT
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Santa Cruz Site 1 Dam
Rio Arriba, NM
High Hazard 56 ftSanta Cruz Site 2g Dam
Rio Arriba, NM
High Hazard 64 ftSanta Cruz Site 3a Dam
Rio Arriba, NM
High Hazard 54 ftSanta Cruz Site 3 Dam
Rio Arriba, NM
High Hazard 54 ftSanta Cruz Site 6 Dam
Santa Fe, NM
High Hazard 62 ftSanta Cruz Site 4 Dam
Rio Arriba, NM
High Hazard 63 ftSanta Cruz Site 5 Dam
Rio Arriba, NM
High Hazard 53 ftNambe Falls
Santa Fe, NM
High Hazard 150 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Santa Cruz Dam?
Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz Dam?
Santa Cruz Dam is owned by SANTA CRUZ IRRIGATION DISTRICT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Santa Cruz Dam built?
Santa Cruz Dam was completed in 1929, making it 97 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 Santa Cruz Dam?
Santa Cruz Dam serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Santa Cruz Dam?
Santa Cruz Dam has a dam height of 124 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 Santa Cruz Dam last inspected?
Santa Cruz Dam was last inspected on May 4, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.