Swinburne Dam
Key Takeaway
Swinburne Dam is classified as high hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1991 and is 35 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 | 34 ft (taller than 55.5% in NM) |
| Dam Length | 2,300 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 57 acres |
| Drainage Area | 74 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 50,700 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1991 (35 years old) |
| NID ID | NM00457 |
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
ALBUQUERQUE METRO ARROYO FLOOD CONTROL AUTHORITY
Local Government
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High Hazard 10 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Swinburne Dam?
Swinburne 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 Swinburne Dam?
Swinburne Dam is owned by ALBUQUERQUE METRO ARROYO FLOOD CONTROL AUTHORITY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Swinburne Dam built?
Swinburne Dam was completed in 1991, making it 35 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 Swinburne Dam?
Swinburne 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 Swinburne Dam?
Swinburne Dam has a dam height of 34 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 Swinburne Dam last inspected?
Swinburne Dam was last inspected on November 26, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.