Santa Cruz Site 5 Dam
Key Takeaway
Santa Cruz Site 5 Dam is classified as high hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1961 and is 65 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 | 53 ft (taller than 73.6% in NM) |
| Dam Length | 810 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 258 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 28 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 3,420 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1961 (65 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1985 |
| NID ID | NM00263 |
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 4 Dam
Rio Arriba, NM
High Hazard 63 ftSanta Cruz Site 6 Dam
Santa Fe, NM
High Hazard 62 ftSanta Cruz Site 3 Dam
Rio Arriba, NM
High Hazard 54 ftSanta Cruz Site 3a Dam
Rio Arriba, NM
High Hazard 54 ftSanta Cruz Site 2g Dam
Rio Arriba, NM
High Hazard 64 ftSanta Cruz Site 1 Dam
Rio Arriba, NM
High Hazard 56 ftSanta Cruz Dam
Santa Fe, NM
High Hazard 124 ftLa Mesilla Site 1 Dam
Rio Arriba, NM
High Hazard 33 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Santa Cruz Site 5 Dam?
Santa Cruz Site 5 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 5 Dam?
Santa Cruz Site 5 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 5 Dam built?
Santa Cruz Site 5 Dam was completed in 1961, making it 65 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 5 Dam?
Santa Cruz Site 5 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 5 Dam?
Santa Cruz Site 5 Dam has a dam height of 53 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 5 Dam last inspected?
Santa Cruz Site 5 Dam was last inspected on November 6, 2020. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.