San Esteban Lake Dam

About San Esteban Lake Dam

The primary purpose of San Esteban Lake Dam is recreation. The dam creates a reservoir used for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. The dam is owned by Macguire Ranches (private). It impounds the Alamito Creek near Plata.

The dam stands 68 feet tall and stretches 600 feet across, has a maximum storage capacity of 3,100 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 386 square miles. Completed in 1914, the structure is over a century old.

This dam has a significant hazard potential classification, meaning that a failure could cause significant economic damage — flooding roads, bridges, or property downstream — but is not expected to result in loss of life. Its condition is rated fair — the dam has minor deficiencies that are being addressed or do not pose an immediate safety threat. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 04/10/2024.

At 68 feet, this dam is taller than 96% of all dams in the United States.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.