Eagle Nest Dam

About Eagle Nest Dam

The primary purpose of Eagle Nest Dam is irrigation. The dam stores and diverts water for agricultural irrigation, supporting farming operations in the surrounding area. The dam is owned by New Mexico Department Of Game And Fish (state). It impounds the Cimarron River near Unincorporated Residents.

The dam stands 142 feet tall and stretches 400 feet across, creates a reservoir covering 2,496 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 98,400 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 184 square miles. Completed in 1918, the structure is over a century old.

This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. 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 05/21/2020.

At 142 feet, this dam is taller than 99% of all dams in the United States.

Living Downstream

If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The New Mexico dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.

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