Westgate Detention Dam
Key Takeaway
Westgate Detention Dam is classified as high hazard in New Mexico. It was completed in 1976 and is 50 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 | 2,095 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 920 acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 0 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 50 acres |
| Drainage Area | 18 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 46,360 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1976 (50 years old) |
| Year Modified | 1999 |
| NID ID | NM00407 |
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
ALBUQUERQUE METRO ARROYO FLOOD CONTROL AUTHORITY
Local Government
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High Hazard 14 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Westgate Detention Dam?
Westgate Detention 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 Westgate Detention Dam?
Westgate Detention Dam is owned by ALBUQUERQUE METRO ARROYO FLOOD CONTROL AUTHORITY (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Westgate Detention Dam built?
Westgate Detention Dam was completed in 1976, making it 50 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 Westgate Detention Dam?
Westgate Detention 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 Westgate Detention Dam?
Westgate Detention 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 Westgate Detention Dam last inspected?
Westgate Detention Dam was last inspected on June 25, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.