Heavy rainfall on Tuesday caused McLeod Dam, a 25‑foot flood‑control dam built in 1951, to overtop and erode in Doña Ana County, New Mexico. The overtopping flooded nearby farmland and raised immediate concerns about the dam’s safety.
Local impact and farmer response
Garfield farmer Alessandra Alanis described the flooding as “devastating” and warned that the damage will delay planting and harvesting for the upcoming season. “Nobody’s going be harvesting. Nobody’s gonna be planting, prepping for next year. None of that anytime soon,” Alanis said while sharing video of the rushing water below the dam.
Inspection findings
The National Inventory of Dams lists McLeod Dam—also recorded as McLead Dam—as a flood‑control structure overseen by the Office of the State Engineer and owned by the McLead Watershed District, a division of the taxpayer‑funded Caballo Soil & Water Conservation District. A 2023 inspection obtained by Target 7 rated the dam in “poor” condition, classified it with “high hazard potential,” and noted the absence of an emergency action plan.
Official response
The Office of the State Engineer confirmed that the dam suffered erosion but did not breach. Its Dam Safety Bureau is currently assessing the structure’s condition. The agency declined a direct interview but released a statement emphasizing its coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, Emergency Management, and local emergency managers during such events.
Legislative perspective
State Senator Jeff Steinborn, who represents parts of Doña Ana County including Garfield, said addressing the dam’s condition has been a priority, but funding has been a challenge. “This type of infrastructure work is not cheap. I think up until the last few years, we really haven’t had a ton of extra money, which of course we have had the last few years to be able to address these kinds of investments. So now that this event has happened, I think the learning that’s going to occur from this,” Steinborn said. When asked if the issue would be raised in the upcoming legislative session, he replied, “Definitely safe to say, absolutely.”
Next steps
The Office of the State Engineer’s Dam Safety Bureau will continue its assessment and work with local officials to determine any needed repairs or upgrades. County officials have issued alerts warning residents of the overtopping and the risk of failure, urging vigilance and preparedness for any further weather events.
Target 7 has reached out to the McLead Watershed District for comment but has not yet received a response.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
