Dams in Otero County, New Mexico
9Total Dams
8High Hazard
0Significant
Dam Safety in Otero County, New Mexico
Otero County has 9 dams tracked in the National Inventory of Dams. Of these, 8 are classified as high hazard — meaning failure would probably cause loss of human life. Currently, 4 dams have a condition assessment of poor or unsatisfactory.
The average dam in Otero County is 61 years old. The most common purpose is recreation. The tallest dam is Lake Mescalero at 93 ft.
Explore more: Oldest dams in New Mexico · Tallest dams · High risk dams · Largest reservoirs
Data note: Hazard potential describes the consequences if a dam failed; it does not predict the likelihood of failure. Inspection, condition, and emergency-plan fields can be incomplete or delayed. Check state dam-safety officials and local emergency managers for official guidance.
| Dam | Hazard | Condition | Height (ft) | Purpose | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Mescalero | High | Satisfactory | 93 | Recreation | 1974 |
| Upper Penasco Site 2 | High | Fair | 68 | Flood Risk Reduction | 1959 |
| Silver Lake | High | Satisfactory | 57 | Recreation | 1963 |
| Upper Penasco Site 1 | High | Poor | 57 | Flood Risk Reduction | 1960 |
| Upper Penasco Site 3a | High | Poor | 52 | Flood Risk Reduction | 1959 |
| La Luz-fresnal East Reservoir | High | Poor | 37 | Water Supply | 1993 |
| Eagle Creek No. 1 | High | Fair | 31 | Recreation | 1950 |
| La Luz-fresnal North & South Reservoirs | High | Poor | 28 | Water Supply | 1961 |
| Lee Detention | Low | Not Rated | 26 | Debris Control | 1962 |