Ute Creek Dam

UTE CREEK-OS· Colfax, New Mexico· Built 1913· Earth· 52 ft tall
High Hazard Fish And Wildlife Pond Recreation Private

Key Takeaway

Ute Creek Dam is classified as high hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1913 and is 113 years old. Its primary use is fish and wildlife pond. 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 52 ft (taller than 73% in NM)
Dam Length385 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage200 acre-ft
Normal Storage136 acre-ft
Surface Area10 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Max Discharge3,000 cfs
Year Completed1913 (113 years old)
NID IDNM00317

Safety Information

High Hazard

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?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: May 5, 2016
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: OFFICE OF THE STATE ENGINEER

Ownership

UTE CREEK RANCH COMPANY

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Ute Creek Dam?

Ute Creek 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 Ute Creek Dam?

Ute Creek Dam is owned by UTE CREEK RANCH COMPANY (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Ute Creek Dam built?

Ute Creek Dam was completed in 1913, making it 113 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 Ute Creek Dam?

Ute Creek Dam serves the following purposes: Fish And Wildlife Pond, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Ute Creek Dam?

Ute Creek Dam has a dam height of 52 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 Ute Creek Dam last inspected?

Ute Creek Dam was last inspected on May 5, 2016. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.