Six Mile Power Dam

PECOS RIVER· Eddy, New Mexico· Built 1905· Gravity· 16 ft tall
Low Hazard Recreation Local Government

Key Takeaway

Six Mile Power Dam is classified as low hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1905 and is 121 years old. Its primary use is recreation.

Physical Details

Dam Height 16 ft (taller than 10.1% in NM)
Dam Length800 ft
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage350 acre-ft
Normal Storage350 acre-ft
Surface Area70 acres
Drainage Area18,000 sq mi
Max Discharge15,700 cfs
Year Completed1905 (121 years old)
NID IDNM00195

Safety Information

Low Hazard

No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: February 18, 2016
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: OFFICE OF THE STATE ENGINEER

Ownership

CITY OF CARLSBAD

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Six Mile Power Dam?

Six Mile Power Dam is classified as Low Hazard. No probable loss of human life and low economic/environmental losses expected. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Six Mile Power Dam?

Six Mile Power Dam is owned by CITY OF CARLSBAD (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Six Mile Power Dam built?

Six Mile Power Dam was completed in 1905, making it 121 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 Six Mile Power Dam?

Six Mile Power Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Six Mile Power Dam?

Six Mile Power Dam has a dam height of 16 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 Six Mile Power Dam last inspected?

Six Mile Power Dam was last inspected on February 18, 2016. 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.