Upper Penasco Site 2
Key Takeaway
Upper Penasco Site 2 is classified as high hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1959 and is 67 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 | 64 ft (taller than 80.7% in NM) |
| Dam Length | 963 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 428 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 15 acres |
| Drainage Area | 11 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,720 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1959 (67 years old) |
| NID ID | NM00223 |
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
OTERO SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
Local Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Upper Penasco Site 2?
Upper Penasco Site 2 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 Penasco Site 2?
Upper Penasco Site 2 is owned by OTERO SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Upper Penasco Site 2 built?
Upper Penasco Site 2 was completed in 1959, making it 67 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 Penasco Site 2?
Upper Penasco Site 2 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 Upper Penasco Site 2?
Upper Penasco Site 2 has a dam height of 64 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 Penasco Site 2 last inspected?
Upper Penasco Site 2 was last inspected on April 23, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.