Reclamation to conduct first fill test at El Vado Dam

Contact: UCB PAO, ucbpao@usbr.gov

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The Bureau of Reclamation is set to evaluate the performance of El Vado Dam through a ‘first fill test’ over the coming months. This test will involve incrementally raising the water level in El Vado Reservoir to assess the dam’s stability and performance at various elevations.

The results of the first fill test will help Reclamation better understand the reservoir and the potential water storage opportunity that may exist there while undergoing Reclamation’s Safety of Dams process to develop and implement a long-term solution.

Reclamation, Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Users Association, and the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District are finalizing an agreement to allow the option of storing water that originates in the Rio Grande basin in the Abiquiu Reservoir for up to 10 years. It also allows the continued operation of the Middle Rio Grande project while Reclamation moves forward with any necessary Safety of Dams improvements at El Vado Dam.

“We are grateful to our partners at the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority, and the city of Santa Fe for their collaboration in using their water resources for this important evaluation,” said Reclamation Albuquerque Area Office Manager Jennifer Faler. “We are optimistic that the first fill test this winter will pave the way for water storage in El Vado Reservoir as we explore revised construction solutions to address the dam’s issues.”

In 2022, Reclamation lowered the water level in El Vado Reservoir to facilitate necessary repairs. An assessment during this period revealed that the dam’s steel faceplate and supporting structures were in significantly worse condition than previously understood. Consequently, in March 2024, construction was halted, and a suspension of work was issued to the project contractor due to unforeseen field conditions that presented numerous challenges.

Reclamation remains committed to rehabilitating El Vado Dam in partnership with the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District. Under the Safety of Dams program, we are developing strategies to reduce seepage through the dam while ensuring mission-critical water deliveries and storage objectives are met.

Reclamation is actively engaging with the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and other stakeholders to ensure the safe operation of El Vado Dam.
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