ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Albuquerque District announced today that an unintended water release from Cochiti Dam may increase flood risk on the Rio Grande in the river channel, riverbanks, and floodway.
The cause of the unintended water release was a procedural error during routine maintenance. Cochiti Dam is functioning properly and is not compromised in any way.
The USACE-Albuquerque District is currently conducting an internal review of the procedural error.
The release of water was approximately 8,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) between 10:00 am and 10:50 am, Feb. 25.
The water fluctuation has already passed San Felipe Pueblo with a peak flow of 2,600 cfs, which is well within channel capacity and less than a typical spring runoff. No flooding impacts have been observed. The fluctuation is expected to arrive at Albuquerque around 8:00 pm tonight, Feb. 25. Hydraulic modeling indicates that water levels will continue to return to pre-event conditions without significant impacts outside of the river channel.
USACE-Albuquerque District personnel have been on site at various locations downstream of Cochiti Dam to observe and assess flood risk.
In the interest of public safety, please avoid the river channel, riverbanks, and floodway until 8:00 pm on Feb. 26.
Public Safety is our top priority. USACE-Albuquerque District will continue to update the public as more information becomes available.
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Release no. 25-005