Upper Penasco Site 3a
Key Takeaway
Upper Penasco Site 3a 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 | 51 ft (taller than 72.4% in NM) |
| Dam Length | 241 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 64 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 4 acres |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,300 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1959 (67 years old) |
| NID ID | NM00224 |
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 3a?
Upper Penasco Site 3a 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 3a?
Upper Penasco Site 3a 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 3a built?
Upper Penasco Site 3a 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 3a?
Upper Penasco Site 3a 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 3a?
Upper Penasco Site 3a has a dam height of 51 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 3a last inspected?
Upper Penasco Site 3a was last inspected on April 23, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.