Conchas Dam

Conchas Dam is a gravity dam in San Miguel County, New Mexico, built across the Canadian River with concrete construction and earthen wing sections. It stands approximately 235 feet (72 meters) tall and serves both water storage and flood control purposes.

Construction began in 1935 under the Emergency Relief Appropriation Act during the Great Depression and was completed in 1939. The project provided jobs during a difficult economic period while securing the region's water resources.

The dam created Conchas Lake, which today serves as a recreation hub where visitors fish, boat, water ski, and swim throughout the year. The lake attracts people seeking outdoor activities in this semi-arid landscape.

The site is accessible by local roads and offers access to various recreational activities around the lake. Visitors should prepare for sunny and dry weather, as the region is semi-arid, and the best time to visit is during warmer months.

The dam manages water through a network of canals that extend across the Canadian River valley, making irrigation possible in otherwise arid terrain. This engineering system enabled agricultural development in an area that would otherwise struggle with water availability.