Tortugas Site 1 Dam
Key Takeaway
Tortugas Site 1 Dam is classified as high hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1962 and is 64 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 | 48 ft (taller than 69.9% in NM) |
| Dam Length | 3,485 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 2.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 91 acres |
| Drainage Area | 21 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 40,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1962 (64 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1967 |
| NID ID | NM00270 |
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
ELEPHANT BUTTE IRRIGATION DISTRICT
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Tortugas Site 2 Dam
Doña Ana, NM
High Hazard 23 ftFillmore Site 1 Dam
Doña Ana, NM
High Hazard 42 ftSouth Fork Dam
Doña Ana, NM
Low Hazard 40 ftMcclernon Dam
Doña Ana, NM
Low Hazard 28 ftFillmore Site 2 Dam
Doña Ana, NM
Significant Hazard 19 ftLas Cruces Dam
Doña Ana, NM
High Hazard 67 ftFillmore Site 3 Dam
Doña Ana, NM
High Hazard 24 ftNorth Fork Dam
Doña Ana, NM
Low Hazard 35 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Tortugas Site 1 Dam?
Tortugas Site 1 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 Tortugas Site 1 Dam?
Tortugas Site 1 Dam is owned by ELEPHANT BUTTE IRRIGATION DISTRICT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Tortugas Site 1 Dam built?
Tortugas Site 1 Dam was completed in 1962, making it 64 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 Tortugas Site 1 Dam?
Tortugas Site 1 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 Tortugas Site 1 Dam?
Tortugas Site 1 Dam has a dam height of 48 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 Tortugas Site 1 Dam last inspected?
Tortugas Site 1 Dam was last inspected on December 18, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.