Upper Gila Valley Site No. 1 Dam
Key Takeaway
Upper Gila Valley Site No. 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 | 26 ft (taller than 32.2% in NM) |
| Dam Length | 517 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 107 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 11 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 900 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1962 (64 years old) |
| NID ID | NM00250 |
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
UPPER GILA VALLEY ARROYOS WATERSHED DISTRICT
Local Government
Nearby Dams
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High Hazard 30 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Upper Gila Valley Site No. 1 Dam?
Upper Gila Valley Site No. 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 Upper Gila Valley Site No. 1 Dam?
Upper Gila Valley Site No. 1 Dam is owned by UPPER GILA VALLEY ARROYOS WATERSHED DISTRICT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Upper Gila Valley Site No. 1 Dam built?
Upper Gila Valley Site No. 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 Upper Gila Valley Site No. 1 Dam?
Upper Gila Valley Site No. 1 Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Debris Control. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Upper Gila Valley Site No. 1 Dam?
Upper Gila Valley Site No. 1 Dam has a dam height of 26 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 Upper Gila Valley Site No. 1 Dam last inspected?
Upper Gila Valley Site No. 1 Dam was last inspected on May 23, 2018. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.