New Mexico leads US with high-hazard dams in poor shape
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — On the edge of southern New Mexico's largest city is an earthen dam, built decades ago to keep storm runoff from carving through the desert hills and flooding the populated area below.
New Mexico State University's golf course is just downstream and beyond that is a major artery for interstate travel, the university's sports arena, student housing and a collection of neighborhoods.
The Tortugas Site 1 Dam has never been breached in nearly 60 years, but erosion is taking a toll as deep ruts have developed on the dam's slopes and unwanted vegetation has sprouted around the spillway.
The dam is just one of 97 dams in New Mexico that are considered high hazard because of the potential for loss of life if they failed and have been determined to be in poor or unsatisfactory condition.
Read more: https://www.newspressnow.com/ap/state/new-mexico-leads-us-with-high-hazard-dams-in-poor/article_7f8ee158-cd3b-5660-88f0-3a853a591350.html
(St. Joseph News-Press)