Jemez Canyon Dam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jemez Canyon Dam |
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Jemez Dam
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 Location of Jemez Canyon Dam in New Mexico
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| Country | United States |
| Location | Sandoval County, New Mexico |
| Coordinates | 35°23′40″N 106°32′49″W / 35.39437°N 106.54702°W |
| Purpose | Flood control and storm water management |
| Opening date | 1953 |
| Owner(s) | United States Army Corps of Engineers |
| Dam and spillways | |
| Height | 150 feet (46 m) |
| Length | 870 feet (270 m) |
| Reservoir | |
| Total capacity | 264,700 acre-feet |
| Surface area | 2.2 square miles (5.7 km2) |
The Jemez Canyon Dam (National ID # NM00003) is a large structure in Sandoval County, New Mexico. It is located a few miles north of Albuquerque. This dam plays a very important role in managing water.
Contents
What is the Jemez Canyon Dam For?
The main job of the Jemez Canyon Dam is to control floods. It helps manage storm water, especially during the spring and early summer. This keeps nearby areas safe from too much water.
Building the Dam
The Jemez Canyon Dam was built in 1953. The United States Army Corps of Engineers constructed this dam. It is an earthen dam, meaning it is made mostly of compacted earth.
The dam stands about 150 feet tall. That's like a 15-story building! It is also 870 feet long across its top. The dam holds back the waters of the Jemez River.
The Jemez Canyon Reservoir
When the dam holds back the river, it creates a large body of water. This is called the Jemez Canyon Reservoir. This reservoir can hold a lot of water. Its maximum capacity is 264,700 acre-feet. An acre-foot is the amount of water needed to cover one acre of land with water one foot deep.
The surface of the reservoir covers about 2.2 square miles. This is a pretty big area of water! However, the amount of water usually stored there is much less.
Access and Recreation
Recreation at Jemez Canyon Reservoir is limited. You cannot access the water directly. Most of the land around the reservoir belongs to the Santa Ana Pueblo. This land has restricted access to protect the Pueblo's property.
There is a small area for visitors. This day-use area has picnic spots. It also offers a scenic overlook where you can view the dam and reservoir.
