Santa Cruz Site 3a Dam
Key Takeaway
Santa Cruz Site 3a Dam is classified as high hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1972 and is 54 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 54 ft (taller than 74.2% in NM) |
| Dam Length | 3,260 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 5,660 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1972 (54 years old) |
| Year Modified | 2001 |
| NID ID | NM00238 |
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 FE-POJOAQUE SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DIST.
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Santa Cruz Site 3 Dam
Rio Arriba, NM
High Hazard 54 ftSanta Cruz Site 2g Dam
Rio Arriba, NM
High Hazard 64 ftSanta Cruz Site 4 Dam
Rio Arriba, NM
High Hazard 63 ftSanta Cruz Site 1 Dam
Rio Arriba, NM
High Hazard 56 ftSanta Cruz Site 5 Dam
Rio Arriba, NM
High Hazard 53 ftSanta Cruz Site 6 Dam
Santa Fe, NM
High Hazard 62 ftSanta Cruz Dam
Santa Fe, NM
High Hazard 124 ftSebastian Martin Site 18 Dam
Rio Arriba, NM
High Hazard 39 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Santa Cruz Site 3a Dam?
Santa Cruz Site 3a 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 Site 3a Dam?
Santa Cruz Site 3a Dam is owned by SANTA FE-POJOAQUE SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DIST. (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Santa Cruz Site 3a Dam built?
Santa Cruz Site 3a 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 Santa Cruz Site 3a Dam?
Santa Cruz Site 3a Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Santa Cruz Site 3a Dam?
Santa Cruz Site 3a Dam has a dam height of 54 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 Site 3a Dam last inspected?
Santa Cruz Site 3a Dam was last inspected on October 14, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.