MODEL DAM EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN
NEW MEXICO OFFICE OF THE STATE ENGINEER
DAM SAFETY BUREAU
November, 2015
The Office of the State Engineer (OSE) rules and regulations for dams requires each owner of a
jurisdictional dam classified as Significant or High Hazard Potential to prepare an Emergency Action
Plan (EAP) (19.25.12.18 New Mexico Administrative Code). These plans must be prepared,
maintained, and exercised for immediate defensive action to prevent or minimize property damage,
injury, or loss of life due to an emergency-flooding situation.
The Model Dam EAP is provided to assist the Dam Owner in preparing an EAP that complies with State
requirements. The owner is responsible for ensuring that the EAP is suitable and that it meets the
needs of the community. The format has been reviewed by the State Emergency Operations Center
but may require further modification in the emergency response areas to comply with the needs of the
Local (city or county) Emergency Management Official. The Dam Owner and the Local Emergency
Official must assess whether the model format is sufficient for the site-specific conditions associated
with the dam or whether additional information must be incorporated to prepare an appropriate EAP.
Alternate formats require documentation indicating that the change is required by the Local Emergency
Official. The OSE website provided below contains checklists for the EAP Preparer and the
Professional Engineer to document coordination with the Local Emergency Official. The coordination
checklists must accompany an EAP submitted to the OSE for review and acceptance. The Model Dam
EAP is available for download at this OSE website:
http://www.ose.state.nm.us/DS/dsReferencesOwner.php
Dam owners are encouraged to review the OSE paper “Emergency Action Plans for Dams” that is also
available on the above website and to contact the dam safety bureau if they have questions. The OSE
paper gives additional guidance for each section of the EAP. The dam breach analysis report must be
submitted to the OSE for review and approval prior to submitting the EAP to the Local Emergency
Official to review and approve. The evacuation map should not be prepared and submitted to the Local
Emergency Official until the OSE has approved the inundation maps from the dam breach analysis
report.
It is the responsibility of the Dam Owner to update the EAP with correct contact information. The Dam
Owner must also coordinate with local emergency officials to periodically exercise the EAP so that it
may be effectively implemented if an emergency situation occurs at the dam. The local emergency
official may choose to organize one exercise to address several dams in their jurisdiction.
The EAP must be submitted in a 3-ring binder with dividers and tabs to allow for periodic updates.
Areas of the EAP model that are shaded in yellow are brought to the attention of the EAP Preparer and
are intended to be customized or completed. The yellow shading is then removed prior to submittal. In
some cases a clarifying note is identified with yellow shading and those should also be removed when
indicated. The template is provided in Microsoft Word format and some notes on word processing for
the document are included below.
PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE THIS PAGE WITH THE FINAL EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN
If there are any questions regarding preparation of an EAP for a specific dam or suggested revisions to
this model, please contact the OSE Dam Safety Bureau at (505) 383-4134 or (505) 827-6122.
WORD PROCESSING NOTES
Removing the SAMPLE watermark:
Click the Page Layout Tab, then the Watermark button, and finally Remove Watermark
Removing the Yellow highlight:
After the preparer has modified the text that is highlighted in yellow to include information for their dam
the yellow highlight is to be removed. The highlight feature is controlled under Home-Font tabs in the
MS Word ribbon through use of the Text Highlight Color button. To remove the highlight the editor
selects the text with the mouse while holding down the left button and releasing the button at the end of
the text. The editor then picks the selects No Color option from the drop-down menu found in the Text
Highlight Color button.
Modifying the Header to change the Revision date:
The document has separate section breaks that are used to allow for place holders for the document
tabs. The headers for the document must be changed for each document section. Click in the
document near the revision date and the header portion of the page should be available for edit. (The
other portions of the page should appear to be screened back). Edit the revision date and click
elsewhere in the document to return to editing. The editor can scroll down through the document to find
other headers that need to be updated.
Modifying the Footer to Change the dam name and County name:
The document has separate section breaks that are used to allow for place holders for the document
tabs. The footers for the document must be changed individually within each document section. Click
in the document near the dam name and county name at the bottom of the page and the footer portion
of the page should be available for edit. (The other portions of the page should appear to be screened
back). Edit the dam name and county name and click elsewhere in the document to return to editing.
The editor will have to check successive pages within the document and repeat the revision.
Updating page numbers in the Table of Contents:
The Table of Contents (TOC) on page vi can be updated automatically if pages are added or removed
to the document. Select (click on) the TOC. The table should highlight in a gray color. At the top of the
TOC a box appears that indicates Update Table… Click on Update Table… and select the button
labeled Update Page Numbers Only, then click OK.
Page numbers in the TOC for the Appendices A and B must be updated manually.
PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE THIS PAGE WITH THE FINAL EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN (EAP)
ROCK CREEK DAM
OSE File No. D-XXX
DeBaca County, New Mexico
Rock Creek Irrigation District
(Example maps shown –remove this note)
Copy ____ of _____
EAP CERTIFICATIONS
DAM OWNER’S CERTIFICATION
[Use the following certification if owner is an individual and not a corporation or political subdivision
of the state, then delete this note]
I, Joe Black, being first duly sworn, upon my oath, state that I have read and examined the
accompanying Emergency Action Plan and know the contents and representations therein for Rock
Creek Dam and all that is shown herein is done with my free consent and in accordance with my
wishes and state that the same are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.
______________________________________
Joe Black
Date
Subscribed and sworn to before me this _____ day of __________________ , 20__.
_______________________________
Notary public
My commission expires ____________ (SEAL)
[Use the following certification if owner is a corporation or political subdivision of the state and not
an individual owner, then delete this note]
I, Joe Black , being first duly sworn, upon my oath, state that I am the Chairman of the Rock Creek
Irrigation District, a political subdivision duly organized under the laws of the state of New Mexico,
that the accompanying Emergency Action Plan , for Rock Creek Dam were made under authority
of the board of directors of said political subdivision and that, in their behalf, I have read and
examined the statements and representations and all that is shown herein is done with their free
consent and in accordance with their wishes and state that the same are true and correct to the
best of my knowledge and belief.
_____________________________________
Joe Black, Chairman
Date
Subscribed and sworn to before me this _____ day of __________________ , 20__.
_______________________________
Notary public
My commission expires ____________ (SEAL)
Page i
ENGINEER’S CERTIFICATION
I, Mike Brown , hereby certify that I am a professional engineer licensed in the state of New Mexico,
qualified in civil engineering; that the accompanying Emergency Level determinations (step 1),
Expected Emergency Actions (step 3), inundation maps and metadata documentation of the
Emergency Action Plan for Rock Creek Dam were prepared by me or under my supervision; that
the accompanying Emergency Level determinations (step 1), Expected Emergency Actions (step
3), inundation maps and metadata documentation of the Emergency Action Plan are in compliance
with the Dam Design, Construction and Dam Safety Regulations (19.25.12 NMAC) and that the
same are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.
________________________________, License number: 1000000 ,
Mike Brown
(SEAL)
Date: ______________
Page ii
__(Local Entity)___________ EMERGENCY OFFICIAL CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the accompanying Emergency Action Plan for Rock Creek Dam has been duly
examined by me and accepted for filing on the _____ day of _____________________, 20___.
_______________________________
(Signature)
_______________________________
(Print Official’s Name)
_______________________________
(Print Official’s Title)
Page iii
NM DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURTY CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the accompanying Emergency Action Plan for Rock Creek Dam has been duly
examined by me and accepted for filing on the _____ day of _____________________, 20__.
_______________________________
(Signature)
_______________________________
(Print Official’s Name)
_______________________________
(Print Official’s Title)
Page iv
STATE ENGINEER’S CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that the accompanying Emergency Action Plan for Rock Creek Dam has been duly
examined by me and accepted for filing on the _____ day of ___________________, 20____.
__________________________________
State Engineer
Page v
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“”
”Table of Contents”
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PURPOSE AND BASIC EAP DATA ...............................................................................................................1
RECORD OF REVISIONS AND UPDATES ......................................................................................................3
RECORD OF EAP EXERCISES ......................................................................................................................3
EAP RESPONSE PROCESS OVERVIEW .........................................................................................................4
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ..................................................................................................................5
FOUR-STEP EAP RESPONSE PROCESS ........................................................................................................7
STEP 1 - INCIDENT DETECTION, EVALUATION, AND EMERGENCY LEVEL DETERMINATION .............................7
GUIDANCE FOR DETERMINING THE EMERGENCY LEVEL .............................................................................9
EXAMPLES OF EMERGENCY SITUATIONS .................................................................................................. 10
STEP 2 – NOTIFICATION AND COMMUNICATION .......................................................................................... 13
NOTIFICATION FLOW CHARTS: .................................................................................................................. 13
OTHER EMERGENCY SERVICES CONTACTS ................................................................................................ 20
STEP 3 – EXPECTED EMERGENCY ACTIONS ................................................................................................... 21
NON-FAILURE EMERGENCY LEVEL: NON-EMERGENCY, UNUSUAL EVENT; SLOWLY DEVELOPING: ......... 21
POTENTIAL FAILURE EMERGENCY LEVEL: POTENTIAL DAM FAILURE SITUATION; RAPIDLY DEVLOPING: 22
IMMINENT FAILURE EMERGENCY LEVEL: URGENT; DAM FAILURE IS IMMINENT OR IN PROGRESS:....... 27
STEP 4 – TERMINATION AND FOLLOW UP ...................................................................................................... 28
EAP REVIEW, REVISION AND EXERCISE.................................................................................................... 29
RECORD OF HOLDERS OF CONTROL COPIES OF THIS EAP ......................................................................... 30
APPENDICES: FORMS, GLOSSARY, MAPS, AND SUPPORTING DATA .......................................................... 32
APPENDIX A ........................................................................................................................................... 32
APPENDIX A-1 CONTACT CHECKLIST ..................................................................................................................... 33
APPENDIX A-2 UNUSUAL OR EMERGENCY EVENT LOG ............................................................................................. 34
APPENDIX A-3 DAM EMERGENCY SITUATION REPORT ............................................................................................. 35
APPENDIX A-4 OTHER FORMS ............................................................................................................................. 36
APPENDIX A-5 GLOSSARY OF TERMS..................................................................................................................... 37
APPENDIX B ........................................................................................................................................... 41
APPENDIX B-1 RESOURCES AVAILABLE .................................................................................................................. 42
APPENDIX B-2 LOCATION AND VICINITY MAPS ....................................................................................................... 43
APPENDIX B-3: EVACUATION MAP .................................................................................................................. 44
APPENDIX B-4 RESIDENTS/BUSINESSES/HIGHWAYS AT RISK ..................................................................................... 45
APPENDIX B-5 INUNDATION MAP ........................................................................................................................ 46
APPENDIX B-6 METADATA DOCUMENTATION FOR EAP MAPS.................................................................................. 47
APPENDIX B-7 PLAN VIEW OF DAM ...................................................................................................................... 48
APPENDIX B-8 PROFILE OF DAM ALONG OUTLET CONDUIT....................................................................................... 49
APPENDIX B-9 RESERVOIR ELEVATION-AREA-VOLUME AND OUTLET AND SPILLWAY CAPACITY ....................................... 50
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
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PURPOSE AND BASIC EAP DATA
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this EAP is to reduce the risk of human life loss and injury and to minimize property
damage during an unusual or emergency event at Rock Creek Dam. This EAP defines
responsibilities and provides procedures designed to identify unusual and unlikely conditions that
may endanger the dam in time to take mitigating action and to notify emergency management
authorities of possible, impending, or actual failure of the dam. This plan may also be used to
provide notification when flood releases can create major flooding.
POTENTIAL IMPACTED AREA:
See “Evacuation Map” Tab (Appendix B-3) and “People at Risk” Tab (Appendix B-4)
 6 houses:
o 4 on the south side of the Sierra Vista subdivision in south east Rock City
o 2 outside city limits:
 1 on south side of Rock Creek, south of Rock City
 1 on east side of Highway 44 approx. 1 mile south of Rock City
 3 businesses on east side of Highway 44 south of Rock City:
o Larry’s Music Shop, Moe’s Carwash and Josie’s Coffee Shop
 3 Highways:
o Interstate 40 and NM State Roads 44 & 66
DAM DESCRIPTION:
Dam Owner: Rock Creek Irrigation District
Major Property Owner:
Built: 1962
Latitude: _________ Longitude:____________
Hazard Classification: High
State Identification: D-999
Height: 55 feet
Length: 1800 feet
Storage: 560 acre-feet
Drainage Area: 9.5 square miles
See detailed design data in B-7, B-8 and B-9 of “Appendix B” Tab.
DIRECTIONS TO DAM:
(See Location and Vicinity Map in B-2 of Appendix B)
Rock Creek Dam can be accessed by traveling south 1.2 miles on NM Highway 44 from the
Interstate 40 interchange south of Rock City; turn right (west) on a gated dirt road that goes directly
to the left abutment of the dam. Keys for the lock on the gate are available from the Irrigation
District Manager at 523 Second Street, Rock City, NM. Note that a portion of this road is within the
dam break floodplain and the valley below the dam may be flooded.
Response during adverse weather or high release flows from the reservoir: (Indicate
modifications to access the dam or to the EAP that are required (if any) during adverse weather or
in cases where the outlet works or outlet works and spillway are activated. Also indicate any
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
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required modifications for access during periods of darkness or modifications required for weekends
and holidays).
If the dam cannot be accessed via the primary route, then an alternate route to the dam is available
approximately 0.5 miles south of Rock Creek on Highway 44; turn right on a ungated dirt road that
goes to the right abutment of the dam. Note that Highway 44 may be inundated or the bridge may
be damaged so access to this alternate route may have to be accessed from Highway 44 south of
the dam.
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
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RECORD OF REVISIONS AND UPDATES
Revision
Number
Date
Revisions Made
By Whom
RECORD OF EAP EXERCISES
Exercise
Type
Date
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Comments
By Whom
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“EAP Overview”
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EAP RESPONSE PROCESS OVERVIEW
DETECT EVENT
STEP 1:
Event Detection,
Evaluation, and
Emergency Level
Determination
ASSESS SITUATION
DETERMINE EMERGENCY LEVEL
NON-FAILURE
EMERGENCY
LEVEL
Unusual Event;
Slowly
Developing
STEP 2:
Notification and
Communication
STEP 3:
Expected
Emergency
Actions
STEP 4:
Termination
and
Follow-up
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
POTENTIAL
FAILURE
EMERGENCY
LEVEL
IMMINENT
FAILURE
EMERGENCY
LEVEL
Potential Dam
Failure Situation;
Rapidly
Developing
Urgent;
Dam Failure is
Imminent or in
Progress
NOTIFY
NOTIFY
NOTIFY
Non-failure
Contact Lists
Potential
Failure Contact
Lists
Imminent
Failure Contact
Lists
MONITOR
SAVE DAM
Corrective
Action if
Needed
Protective
Actions
SAVE
PEOPLE
Evacuate
TERMINATION & FOLLOW-UP
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ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
DAM OWNER REPRESENTATIVE
Preparedness—prior to a dam incident:
 Review and update the EAP annually, coordinate the EAP exercises and provide copies of
the revised EAP to all record copy holders of the EAP.
 Review and understand actions that could be taken to save the dam or moderate failure
during an incident (see “Expected Actions” Tab—Page X).
During EAP Response (see page x):
EAP Response Step 1 – Detection, Evaluation, Emergency Level Determination:
 Responsible for monitoring dam and identifying potential problem
 As soon as an emergency event is observed or reported, immediately determine the
emergency level (see “Emergency Levels” Tab). Emergency levels are defined on Page X.
o Non-failure Emergency Level: Unusual event, slowly developing or higher than normal
reservoir release or spillway flow anticipated
o Potential Failure Emergency Level: Potential dam failure situation, rapidly developing
o Imminent Failure Emergency Level: Dam failure is imminent or in progress
EAP Response Step 2 -- Notification and Communication:
 Immediately notify the personnel in the order shown on the notification flow chart for the
appropriate level (see “Notification Charts” Tab).
EAP Response Step 3 – Expected Emergency Actions:
 Implement expected emergency actions to prevent the dam from failing (see “Expected
Actions” Tab). Emergency Remedial Actions not identified in Step 3 require verbal approval
from Office of the State Engineer Dam Safety Bureau if time permits.
 Provide updates of the situation to the Local Emergency Official to assist them in making
timely and accurate decisions regarding warnings and evacuations.
EAP Response Step 4 – Termination and Follow up: (see page x):
 Coordinate termination and follow up activities with the OSE Dam Safety Bureau and the
local Emergency Official.
LOCAL EMERGENCY OFFICIAL
Preparedness—prior to a dam incident:
 Participate in annual review and update and periodic exercises of the EAP
During EAP Response
 Maintain communication with media
 When a Non-failure Emergency Level occurs, review the EAP and respond in accordance
with local emergency response plan. In the case of a higher than normal reservoir release
that could cause downstream flooding it may be necessary to prepare emergency
management personnel for possible evacuations.
 When a Potential Failure Emergency Level situation occurs: Prepare emergency
management personnel for possible evacuations, in accordance with local emergency
response plan, that may be needed if an Imminent Failure Emergency Level situation occurs
 When an Imminent Failure Emergency Level situation occurs:
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
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o
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Alert the general public of the emergency
Immediately close roads and evacuate people located within the evacuation area (see
“Evacuation Map” Tab)
INCIDENT COMMANDER -- During EAP Response
 When a Potential Failure Emergency Level situation occurs: Prepare local law enforcement
personnel for possible evacuations that may be needed if an Imminent Failure Emergency
Level situation occurs
 When an Imminent Failure Emergency Level situation occurs:
o Initiate warnings and order evacuation of people at risk downstream of the dam
o Notify local law enforcement to carry out the evacuation of people and close roads
within the evacuation area (see “Evacuation Map” Tab)
o Decide when to terminate the emergency
DAM OWNER’S ENGINEER – During EAP Response
 Advise dam owner on emergency level determination if time permits
 Advise dam owner on remedial actions to take if Non-Failure Emergency Level or Potential
Failure Emergency Level event occurs
 Advise Office of the State Engineer Dam Safety Bureau of current condition and obtain
verbal approval of proposed remedial action if time permits
OFFICE OF THE STATE ENGINEER – DAM SAFETY BUREAU
 Approve remedial actions to take if Non-Failure Emergency Level event occurs and if time
permits
 Approve unanticipated remedial actions to take if Potential Failure Emergency Level event
occurs and if time permits
 Advise New Mexico Emergency Operations Center on status at dam and participate in
response as needed.
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
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FOUR-STEP EAP RESPONSE PROCESS
STEP 1 - INCIDENT DETECTION, EVALUATION, AND EMERGENCY
LEVEL DETERMINATION
INCIDENT DETECTION
This task describes the detection of an unusual or emergency event and provides information to
assist the dam owner in determining the appropriate emergency level for the event.
Unusual or emergency events may be detected by:




Observations at or near the dam by the dam owner, government personnel (local, state, or
federal), visitors to the dam, or the public.
Evaluation of instrumentation data.
Earthquakes felt or reported in the vicinity of the dam.
Forewarning of conditions, which may cause an unusual event or emergency event at the
dam. For example, a severe weather or flash flood forecast.
See the information below and the “Guidance for Determining the Emergency Level” table (Page 9)
for assistance in evaluating specific events to determine if they are unusual or potential emergency
situations.
EVALUATION AND EMERGENCY LEVEL DETERMINATION
After an unusual or emergency event is detected or reported, the Irrigation District Manager or the
Manager’s alternate is responsible for classifying the event into one of the following three
emergency levels:
Non-Failure Emergency Level; Non-emergency, unusual event, slowly developing or a water
release from the dam that could cause downstream flooding:
This situation is not normal, but has not yet threatened the operation or structural integrity of the
dam, but possibly could if it continues to develop. Owner’s Engineer shall be contacted to
investigate the situation and recommend actions to be taken. Office of the State Engineer Dam
Safety Bureau shall be contacted and advised of the situation. The Dam Owner shall obtain Office
of the State Engineer Dam Safety Bureau approval of any action to be taken that is not identified in
Step 3, Expected Emergency Actions. The condition of the dam must be closely monitored,
especially during storm events, to detect any development of a potential or imminent dam failure
situation. The Local Emergency Official must be informed if it is determined that the conditions may
possibly develop into a worse condition that may require emergency actions.
In the event that the owner expects a higher than normal release of water or expects the auxiliary
spillway to flow without compromising the dam--he or she must notify officials downstream to
prepare for possible flooding. This may require emergency services to be on alert or to initiate
evacuations and road closures if areas downstream could be flooded and people near the channel
could be endangered.
Potential Failure Emergency Level; Potential dam failure situation, rapidly developing:
This situation may eventually lead to dam failure and flash flooding downstream, but there is not an
immediate threat of dam failure. The Local Emergency Official shall be notified of this emergency
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
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situation and placed on alert. The dam owner must closely monitor the condition of the dam and
periodically report the status of the situation to the Local Emergency Official. If the dam condition
worsens and failure becomes imminent, the Local Emergency Official must be notified immediately
of the change in the emergency level to evacuate the people at risk downstream.
The dam owner must contact their engineer to evaluate the situation and recommend remedial
actions to prevent failure of the dam. The dam owner must obtain Office of the State Engineer Dam
Safety Bureau’s verbal approval of any recommended action that is not identified in Step 3,
Expected Emergency Actions if time permits, and must initiate remedial repairs (local resources that
may be available – see B-1 in Appendix B). Time available to employ remedial actions may be
hours or days so pre-planning is important.
Imminent Failure Emergency Level; Urgent - Dam failure is imminent or in progress:
This is an extremely urgent situation when a dam failure is occurring or obviously is just about to
occur and cannot be prevented. Flash flooding will occur downstream of the dam. This situation is
also applicable when additional warning time is needed to alert and evacuate the public even
though dam failure may still be prevented. The Local Emergency Official must be contacted
immediately so emergency services can begin evacuations of all at-risk people and close roads as
needed (see “Evacuation Map” Tab).
See following pages for guidance in determining the proper emergency level for various situations.
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
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“Emergency Levels”
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GUIDANCE FOR DETERMINING THE EMERGENCY LEVEL
Event
Situation
Reservoir water surface elevation at spillway crest or spillway is flowing with no
active erosion
Earth
Spillway Flow
Embankment
Overtopping
Potential failure
Optional: Reservoir water surface elevation is X ft. below the spillway crest and
water level continues to rise, flooding people downstream is anticipated
Potential failure
Spillway flowing with an advancing headcut that is threatening the control section
Imminent failure
Sinkhole
Embankment
Cracking
Embankment
Movement
Instruments
Mechanical
Potential failure
Spillway is failing
Imminent failure
Reservoir level is X ft. below the top of the dam and is continuing to rise.
Potential failure
Water from the reservoir is flowing over the top (crest) of the dam
Imminent failure
Security
Threat
Sabotage /
Vandalism
Non-failure
New seepage areas with cloudy discharge or increasing rate of flow
Potential failure
Seepage with cloudy discharge greater than XXX
Imminent failure
Potential failure
Imminent failure
Non-failure
Observation of new sinkhole in the reservoir area or on the embankment
Rapidly enlarging sinkhole
New cracks in the embankment without seepage
Cracks in the embankment with seepage
Visual movement/slippage of the embankment slope
Potential failure
Sudden or rapidly proceeding slide of the embankment slopes
Imminent failure
Instrumentation readings beyond predetermined values
Potential
Non-failure
Damaged or broken outlet valve with no immediate impacts to the functioning of
the dam
X
Damaged or broken outlet valve that resulted in an uncontrolled release of water
which may cause flooding
X
Damaged or broken outlet valve that will result in an uncontrolled release and will
flood people downstream
X
Measurable earthquake reported or felt in the region of the dam
Earthquake
Non-failure
Spillway flow is causing damage to the spillway or overtopping spillway retaining
walls
New seepage areas in or near the dam with clear seepage flow.
Seepage
Non-failure
Spillway flowing with active gully erosion.
Spillway flow exceeds historic discharge
Concrete
Lined
Spillway Flow
Emergency
Level*
Non-failure
Earthquake resulting in visible damage to the dam or appurtenances
Potential failure
Earthquake resulting in uncontrolled release of water from the dam
Imminent failure
Verified bomb threat that, if carried out, could result in damage to the dam
Detonated bomb that has resulted in damage to the dam or appurtenances
Damage to dam or appurtenances with no impacts to the functioning of the dam
Potential failure
Imminent failure
Non-failure
Damage to dam or appurtenances that has resulted in seepage flow
Potential failure
Damage to dam or appurtenances that has resulted in uncontrolled water release
Imminent failure
Non-Failure Emergency Level: Non-emergency, unusual event, slowly developing
Potential Failure Emergency Level: Potential dam failure situation, rapidly developing
Imminent Failure Emergency Level: Urgent, dam failure is imminent or in progress
Estimated time needed by Local Responders to notify occupants closest to the dam is X minutes
Estimated time needed by Local Responders to evacuate the closest occupants is X minutes
*{Remove this note when EAP is completed. Emergency Level guidance listed in this table is suggested by
FEMA P-64 Emergency Action Planning for Dams, July 2013. Owners must consult with their engineer to
determine if these thresholds are appropriate for their dam, or if they are applicable to their dam, or if other
items need to be added.}
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
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EXAMPLES OF EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
The following are examples of conditions that constitute an emergency situation at the dam.
Adverse or unusual conditions that can cause the failure of a dam are typically related to aging or
design and construction oversights. Extreme weather events that exceed the original design
conditions can cause significant flow through the spillway or overtopping of the embankment.
However, accidental or intentional damage to the dam may also result in emergency conditions.
The conditions have been grouped to identify the most likely emergency level condition and are
provided as guidance only. Not all emergency conditions may be listed and the dam owner is urged
to use conservative judgment in determining whether a specific condition should be defined as an
emergency situation at the dam.
(Use a note like this if defects are known to exist, otherwise delete this note): Pre-existing Condition
on this Dam: There has been a small seepage area near the downstream toe on the north side of
the outlet conduit. This was first noticed in 1985 but has not changed since that time.
EARTH SPILLWAY FLOWS (Remove this for dams with concrete spillways)
Non-failure Emergency Level – Spillway Flow without Structural Compromise
Flow through the earth spillway that may cause flooding that could threaten people, homes,
and/or roads downstream from the dam. While not a dam failure emergency if the spillway and
the dam remain intact, the dam owner must inform the Emergency Manager in downstream
areas if people, homes and/or roads downstream are threatened.
Potential Failure Emergency Level - Potential Dam Failure Situation; Rapidly Developing
Erosion or head cutting of the spillway is occurring, but the rate does not appear to threaten a
breach of the spillway crest that would result in an uncontrolled release of the reservoir. If
spillway flows may cause flooding that could threaten people, homes and/or roads downstream
the dam owner must inform the Emergency Manager in downstream areas.
Imminent Failure Emergency Level – Urgent; Dam Failure is Imminent or in Progress
Significant erosion or head cutting of the spillway is occurring at a rapid rate and a breach of the
control section appears to be imminent.
CONCRETE LINED SPILLWAY FLOWS (Remove this for dams with earth spillways)
Non-failure Emergency Level – Higher Than Normal Releases or Spillway Flow without
Structural Compromise
Flow through the spillway that may cause flooding that could threaten people, homes, and/or
roads downstream from the dam. While not a dam failure emergency, the dam owner must
inform the Emergency Manager in downstream areas if people, homes and/or roads
downstream are threatened.
Potential Failure Emergency Level - Potential Dam Failure Situation; Rapidly Developing
Flow through the spillway is causing damage to the spillway or overtopping the spillway
retaining walls. If spillway flows cause flooding that could threaten people, homes and/or roads
downstream the dam owner must inform the Emergency Manager in downstream areas.
Imminent Failure Emergency Level – Urgent; Dam Failure is Imminent or in Progress
Flow has damaged the spillway and failure is progressing at a rapid rate. A breach of the
spillway is imminent or in progress.
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
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Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
EMBANKMENT OVERTOPPING
Potential Failure Emergency Level - Potential Dam Failure Situation; Rapidly Developing
1. The reservoir level is within X ft. of the top of dam and is projected to continue to rise.
Imminent Failure Emergency Level – Urgent; Dam Failure is Imminent or in Progress
1. The reservoir level has exceeded the top of the dam. Flow is occurring over the embankment.
SEEPAGE AND SINKHOLES
Potential Failure Emergency Level - Potential Dam Failure Situation; Rapidly Developing
1. Cloudy seepage or soil deposits are observed at seepage exit points or from internal drain outlet
pipes.
2. New or increased areas of wet or muddy soils are present on the downstream slope, abutment,
and/or foundation of the dam, and there is an easily detectable and unusual increase in volume
of downstream seepage.
3. Significant new or enlarging sinkhole(s) or settlement of the dam is observed.
4. Reservoir level is falling without apparent cause.
5. (Use a note like this if defects are known to exist, otherwise delete this note): The following
known dam defects are or will soon be inundated by a rise in the reservoir:
 Sinkhole(s) located on the upstream slope, crest, abutment, and/or foundation of the dam;
or
 Transverse cracks extending through the dam, abutments, or foundation.
Imminent Failure Emergency Level – Urgent; Dam Failure is Imminent or in Progress
1. Rapidly increasing cloudy seepage or soil deposits at seepage exit points to the extent that
failure appears imminent or is in progress.
2. Rapid increase in volume of downstream seepage to the extent that failure appears imminent or
is in progress.
3. Water flowing out of holes in the downstream slope, abutment, and/or foundation of the dam to
the extent that failure appears imminent or is in progress.
4. Whirlpools or other evidence exists indicating that the reservoir is draining rapidly through the
dam or foundation.
5. Rapidly enlarging sinkhole(s) are forming on the dam or abutments to the extent that failure
appears imminent or is in progress.
6. Rapidly increasing flow through crack(s) eroding materials to the extent that failure appears
imminent or is in progress.
EMBANKMENT MOVEMENT AND CRACKING
Potential Failure Emergency Level- Potential Dam Failure Situation; Rapidly Developing
1. Settlement of the crest, slopes, abutments and/or foundation of the dam, which may eventually
result in breaching of the dam.
2. Significant increase in length, width, or offset of cracks in the crest, slopes, abutments, and/or
foundation of the dam that may eventually result in breaching of the dam.
Imminent Failure Emergency Level – Urgent; Dam Failure is Imminent or in Progress
1. Sudden or rapidly proceeding slides, settlement, or cracking of the embankment crest, slopes,
abutments, and/or foundation, and breaching of the dam appears imminent or is in progress.
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 11
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“Communications”
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For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
STEP 2 – NOTIFICATION AND COMMUNICATION
NOTIFICATION FLOW CHARTS:
After the emergency level has been determined, the people on the following notification flowchart
for the appropriate emergency level shall be notified immediately. The Contacts Checklist and
Event Log in Appendix A are to be used to document communications and events.
COMMUNICATION:
Non-Failure Emergency Level: Non-emergency, Unusual Event; Slowly Developing:
Contact Owner’s Engineer
The Irrigation District Manager must contact the Owner’s engineer to assist in evaluation of the
situation and to recommend remedial actions to prevent failure of the dam.
Contact OSE Dam Safety Bureau
The Irrigation District Manager and the Dam Owner’s Engineer must contact the Office of the State
Engineer Dam Safety Bureau. Describe the situation, recommendations by the Engineer and
request approval of any action to be taken.
Contact Emergency Official
If the conditions may possibly develop into a worse condition that may require emergency actions
the following message may be used to help describe the situation to the Local Emergency Official:
“This is _____(Identify yourself; name, position, etc.)
We have an incident under investigation that is considered a non-emergency at this
time at Rock Creek Dam that is located 2 miles south of Rock City. We have activated
our EAP and we are at a Non-Failure Emergency Level condition.
Our engineer is on site and we are coordinating activities with the Office of the State
Engineer Dam Safety Bureau.
[Describe the situation]
We are monitoring the situation in case conditions change to an emergency condition.
I can be contacted at the following number:______________________________
If you cannot reach me, please call the following alternative
number:____________________
[State when you plan to contact the Official again]
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
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For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
Potential Failure Emergency Level: Potential Dam Failure Situation; Rapidly
Developing:
Contact Owner’s Engineer
The Irrigation District Manager must contact the Owner’s engineer to assist in evaluation of the
situation and to recommend remedial actions to prevent failure of the dam.
Contact OSE Dam Safety Bureau
The Irrigation District Manager and the Dam Owner’s Engineer must contact the Office of the State
Engineer Dam Safety Bureau. If time permits, describe the situation, recommendations by the
Engineer and request approval of any action to be taken.
Contact Emergency Official
The following message may be used to help describe the emergency situation to the Local
Emergency Official:
“This is _____(Identify yourself; name, position, etc.)
We have an emergency condition at Rock Creek Dam that is located 2 miles south of
Rock City.
We have activated the Emergency Action Plan for this dam and are currently under
Potential Failure Emergency Level
[Describe the situation]
We are implementing predetermined actions to respond to a rapidly developing
situation that could result in dam failure.
Please prepare to evacuate the area as shown on the evacuation map in the
emergency action plan.
We will advise you as soon as the situation is resolved or if the situation gets worse.
I can be contacted at the following number:______________________________
If you cannot reach me, please call the following alternative
number:____________________
[State when you plan to contact the Official again]
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 14
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
Imminent Failure Emergency Level: Urgent; Dam Failure is Imminent or in Progress:
The Local Emergency Official must be contacted immediately and the area evacuated (see
“Evacuation Map” Tab). The following actions must be taken:
1. Call the Local Emergency Official. Be sure to say, "This is an emergency". They will call other
authorities and the media and begin the evacuation. The following message may be used to
help describe the emergency situation to emergency management personnel:
“This is an emergency. This is _____(Identify yourself; name, position, etc.)
Rock Creek Dam that is located 2 miles south of Rock City is failing and the
downstream area must be evacuated immediately. Repeat, Rock Creek Dam is
failing; evacuate the area shown on the evacuation map immediately.
[Describe the situation]
We have activated the Emergency Action Plan for this dam and are currently under
Imminent Failure Emergency Level.
Reference the evacuation map in your copy of the Emergency Action Plan.
I can be contacted at the following number:______________________________
If you cannot reach me, please call the following alternative
number:____________________
The next status report will be provided in approximately 30 minutes.
2. Do whatever is necessary to bring people in immediate danger to safety (anyone on the dam,
directly below the dam or boating on the reservoir).
3. Keep in frequent contact with the Local Emergency Official to keep them up-to-date on the
condition of the dam. They will tell you how you can help to handle the emergency.
4. If all means of communication are lost: (1) try to find out why, (2) try to get to another radio or
telephone that works, or (3) get someone else to try to reestablish communications. If these
means fail, handle the immediate problems as well as you can, and periodically try to
reestablish contact with the Local Emergency Official.
The following prescripted message may be used as a guide for the Rock City Emergency Services
Personnel to communicate the status of the emergency with the public:
“Attention: This is an emergency message from the____________. Listen carefully.
Your life may depend on immediate action.
Rock Creek Dam located 2 miles south of Rock City is failing. Repeat. Rock Creek
Dam located 2 miles south of Rock City if failing.
If you live in or near this area, proceed immediately to high ground away from the
valley. Do not travel on Highway 44 south of Rock City or return to your home to
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 15
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
recover your possessions. You cannot outrun or drive away from the flood wave.
Proceed immediately to high ground away from the valley”.
Repeat Message
Contact OSE Dam Safety Bureau
Contact Owner’s Engineer
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 16
Insert Top Tab Here
“Notification Flow
Charts”
(and recycle this page)
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
NON-FAILURE EMERGENCY LEVEL NOTIFICATION
NON-EMERGENCY: UNUSUAL EVENT,
SLOWLY DEVELOPING
DAM OWNER
Rock Creek Irrigation District Manager
505-515-1234 (Office)
505-515-5678 (Home)
505-515-9012 (Cell)
1
2
OWNER’S
ENGINEER
OFFICE OF THE
STATE ENGINEER
Brown Engineering
Dam Safety Bureau
Charles N. Thompson, PE
505-383-4134 (Office)
505-660-3313 (Cell)
or
505-476-9635
(NMEOC 24-hour #)
Mike Brown, P.E.
505-555-1234 (Office)
505-555-5678 (Home)
505-555-9012 (Cell)
3
2
LOCAL
EMERGENCY
OFFICIAL
DeBaca County Official
505-555-4321 Office
505-555-8765 Cell
(Remove this note when completing EAP -- The local Emergency Manager may
want to modify these charts and sequence of notifications. Modification is
acceptable with concurrence from the Emergency Manager.
Note:
1, 2, 3, etc. denotes call
sequence
Legend:
Calls by Owner
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
See “Communications” Tab
for prescripted messages
See “Emergency Service
Contacts” Tab for contact
information for back-ups to the
persons shown above and other
emergency personnel
Page 17
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
POTENTIAL FAILURE EMERGENCY LEVEL NOTIFICATIONS
EMERGENCY EVENT: POTENTIAL DAM FAILURE
SITUATION, RAPIDLY DEVELOPING
DAM OWNER
Rock Creek Irrigation District Manager
505-515-1234 (Office)
505-515-5678 (Home)
505-515-9012 (Cell)
1
OWNER’S ENGINEER
Brown Engineering
Mike Brown, P.E.
505-555-1234 (Office)
505-555-5678 (Home)
505-555-9012 (Cell)
2
OFFICE OF THE
STATE ENGINEER
Dam Safety Bureau
Charles N. Thompson, PE
505-383-4134 (Office)
505-660-3313 (Cell)
or
505-476-9635
(NMEOC 24-hour #)
NM Emergency
Operations Center
24-Hour Duty Officer
505-476-9635
Note:
1, 2, 3 etc. denotes call
sequence
Legend:
Calls by Owner
Second Level Calls
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
National Weather Service
Name
xxx-xxx-xxxx
See “Communications” Tab
for prescripted messages
3
LOCAL
EMERGENCY
OFFICIAL
505-555-4321 Office
505-555-8765 Cell
Local Law Enforcement
911
505-555-XXXX
NM Highway Patrol
Dispatcher
505-555-XXXX
911
Other Identified Party
See “Emergency Service
Contacts” Tab for contact
information for back-ups to the
persons shown above and other
emergency personnel
Page 18
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
IMMINENT FAILURE EMERGENCY LEVEL NOTIFICATIONS
EMERGENCY EVENT: DAM FAILURE IS IMMINENT OR IN
PROGRESS
DAM OWNER
Rock Creek Irrigation District Manager
505-515-1234 (Office)
505-515-5678 (Home)
505-515-9012 (Cell)
505-515-9012 (Cell)
1
LOCAL
EMERGENCY
OFFICIAL
505-555-XXXX Office
505-555-XXXX Cell
Local Law Enforcement
911
505-555-XXXX
NM Highway Patrol
Dispatcher
505-555-XXXX
911
2
OFFICE OF THE
STATE
ENGINEER
Dam Safety Bureau
Charles N. Thompson,
PE
505-383-4134 (Office)
505-660-3313 (Cell)
or
505-476-9635
(NMEOC 24-hour #)
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
OWNER’S
ENGINEER
Brown Engineering
Mike Brown, P.E.
505-555-1234 (Office)
505-555-5678 (Home)
505-555-9012 (Cell)
N.M. Emergency
Operations Center
24-hour Duty Officer
505-476-9635
National Weather Service
Name
xxx-xxx-xxxx
Note:
1, 2, 3, etc. denotes call
sequence
Legend:
Calls by Owner
Second Level Calls
3
See “Communications” Tab for
prescripted public announcement
messages
See “Emergency Service
Contacts” Tab for contact
information for back-ups
to the persons shown
above and other
emergency personnel
Page 19
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“Emergency
Services Contacts”
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Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
OTHER EMERGENCY SERVICES CONTACTS
Agency /
Organization
Principal Contact
Address
DeBaca County
Commissioners
DeBaca County Road
Department
DeBaca County
Conservation District
DeBaca County
Conservation District
DeBaca County
Conservation District
DeBaca County
Sheriff
Landowner of Rock
Creek Dam
New Mexico Dept. of
Transportation
New Mexico Highway
Patrol
Rock City Emergency
Management
Coordinator
Rock City Fire
Department
Gloria Brown
Chair
Max Gray
Supervisor
John Jordon *
District Manager
Mary James *
District Secretary
Mike Blain *
Board Chair
336 Highway 66
Rock City. NM
973 Ninth Street
Rock City, NM
523 Second St.
Rock City, NM
523 Second St
Rock City, NM
523 Second St
Rock City, NM
336 Highway 66
Rock City, NM
R.R. #2
Rock City, NM
539 Center Street
Dry Gulch, NM
299 First Ave.
Dry Gulch, NM
Rock City Police
Henry Martin
Bryon Babcock
Bill Dobson
District Engineer
Richard Barnell
Jeff Powers
121 Main Street
Rock City, NM
Harry James
336 Maple Street
Rock City, NM
Red Jones
336 Maple Street
Rock City, NM
Office
Telephone
No.
Alternate
Telephone
Numbers
505-555-3719
505-555-4496
505-555-2309
505-555-2309
505-555-2309
505-555-1287
407-559-6679 (H)
405-665-1176 (C)
407-559-2387 (H)
405-472-8731 (C)
407-559-6699 (H)
405-665-4432 (C)
407-559-3377 (H)
407-665-1973 (C)
407-559-9922 (H)
407-665-4499 (C)
505-555-6622
505-555-8274
505-555-4411
505-555-3856
505-555-2299
* Back-up to primary contact
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 20
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“Expected Actions”
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Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
STEP 3 – EXPECTED EMERGENCY ACTIONS
If the Police or Sheriff receives a 911 call regarding observations of an unusual or emergency event
at the dam, they must immediately contact the Rock Creek Irrigation District office. After the Rock
Creek Irrigation District Manager determines the emergency level, the following actions must be
taken. The Dam Owner must contact their engineer for technical consultation. The Dam Owner
must contact the Office of the State Engineer Dam Safety Bureau to be made aware of the situation
and be advised of any action taken. Emergency remedial actions outside the scope of activities
listed below require Office of the State Engineer Dam Safety Bureau approval, if time permits.
NON-FAILURE EMERGENCY
SLOWLY DEVELOPING:
LEVEL:
NON-EMERGENCY,
UNUSUAL
EVENT;
A. The Rock Creek Irrigation District Manager must inspect the dam. At a minimum, inspect the full
length of the upstream slope, crest, downstream toe, and downstream slope. Also check the
reservoir area, abutments, and downstream channel for signs of changing conditions. If
increased seepage, erosion, cracking or settlement are observed, immediately report the
observed conditions to your Engineer and the Office of the State Engineer Dam Safety
Bureau; refer to the “Guidance for Determining the Emergency Level” Table (Page 9) for
the appropriate event level for the new condition and recommended actions.
B. The Rock Creek Irrigation District Manager must record all contacts that were made on the
“Contacts Checklist” Form (see A-1, Appendix A).
C. The Rock Creek Irrigation District Manager must begin to record all information, observations,
and actions taken on the “Event Log” Form (see A-2, Appendix A). Note the time of changing
conditions. Document the situation with photographs and video if possible and update the
Event Log throughout the incident.
D. The Rock Creek Irrigation District Manager must contact their Engineer and request an
investigation of the situation and recommended corrective actions.
E. The Rock Creek Irrigation District Manager must contact the Office of the State Engineer Dam
Safety Bureau and must advise of the situation, what action is being proposed, and obtain
approval.
F. The Rock Creek Irrigation District Manager will advise the Local Emergency Official if it is
determined that the condition may possibly develop into an Potential Failure Emergency Level
condition.
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
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Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
POTENTIAL FAILURE EMERGENCY LEVEL: POTENTIAL DAM FAILURE SITUATION;
RAPIDLY DEVLOPING:
A. The Rock Creek Irrigation District Manager must contact their Engineer and the Office of the
State Engineer Dam Safety Bureau to report the situation and, if time permits, request technical
assistance from the Owner’s Engineer to investigate the situation and recommend corrective
actions. Office of the State Engineer Dam Safety Bureau’s approval of any emergency remedial
action outside the scope of activity listed below is required, if time permits.
B. The Rock Creek Irrigation District Manager must contact the Local Emergency Official to inform
him that the emergency action plan has been activated and if current conditions get worse, an
emergency situation may require evacuation. Preparations must be made for possible road
closures and evacuations.
C. The Rock Creek Irrigation District Manager must provide updates to the Local Emergency
Official to assist in making timely decisions concerning the need for warnings, road closures and
evacuations.
D. If time permits, the Rock Creek Irrigation District Manager must inspect the dam. At a minimum,
inspect the full length of the upstream slope, crest, downstream toe, and downstream slope.
Also check the reservoir area, abutments, and downstream channel for signs of changing
conditions. If piping, increased seepage, erosion, cracking or settlement are observed,
immediately report the observed conditions to their Engineer; refer to the “Guidance for
Determining the Emergency Level” Table (Page 9) for the appropriate event level for the
new condition and recommended actions.
E. The Rock Creek Irrigation District Manager must record all contacts that were made on the
“Contact Checklist” Form (see A-1, Appendix A).
1. The Rock Creek Irrigation District Manager must begin to record all information, observations,
and actions taken on the “Event Log” Form (see A-2, Appendix A). Note the time of changing
conditions. Document the situation with photographs and video if possible and update the
Event Log throughout the incident.
F. If time permits, the emergency remedial actions listed below must be taken as appropriate.
Emergency Remedial Actions and Interventions – Potential Failure Emergency Level
If time permits, the emergency remedial actions listed in the following table must be considered for
Potential Failure Emergency Level conditions. Immediate implementation of these remedial actions
may delay, moderate, or prevent the failure of the dam. The remedial actions listed below do not
require Office of the State Engineer Dam Safety Bureau approval prior to implementing the action.
Several of the listed adverse or unusual conditions may be apparent at the dam at the same time,
and will require implementation of several modes of remedial action. Close monitoring of the dam
must be maintained to confirm the success of any remedial action taken at the dam. If time permits
any remedial action must be developed through consultation with the Owner’s Engineer and the
Office of the State Engineer Dam Safety Bureau. See “Resources Available” (see B-1, Appendix B)
for sources of equipment and materials to assist with remedial actions.
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
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Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
Example Remedial Actions -- Potential Failure Interventions
Condition
High Water Level /
Large Spillway
Release
Description of Condition
Reservoir level reaches
elevation XXX ft. and is
rising at a rate of greater
than one foot per hour.
Action to be Taken
1. Check for signs of erosion from spillway channel, particularly near wing walls.
(If applicable—Close or stop diversion (filling) to off-stream reservoir.)
2. Assess cause of increased reservoir stage, especially during fair weather
conditions.
3. Perform additional tasks as directed by Dam Engineer.
4. If condition worsens such that downstream flooding is imminent, upgrade
emergency level and notify Emergency Manager for evacuations if
necessary.
Embankment
Overtopping
Reservoir level has reached the
dam crest and water is flowing
over the dam.
1. If the water level in the reservoir is no longer rising, place sandbags along low
areas of the dam crest to reduce the likelihood of flow concentrating during
minor overtopping.
2. Cover the weak areas of the top of the dam and downstream slope with riprap,
sandbags or other materials to provide erosion-resistant protection.
Seepage
Localized new seepage or
boil(s) observed along
downstream face / toe of
earthen embankment with
muddy discharge and
increasing but controllable
discharge of water.
1. Open outlet gate (if applicable) to lower the reservoir level as rapidly as
possible to a level that stops or decreases the seepage to a non-erosive
velocity. Pumping may be necessary if the gate is damaged or blocked.
2. If the entrance to the seepage origination point is observable in the reservoir
(possible whirlpool) and is safely accessible, attempt to reduce the flow by
plugging the entrance with readily available material such as hay bales,
bentonite, soil or rock fill, or plastic sheeting. Prevent vehicles and equipment
from driving between the seepage exit points and the embankment to avoid
potential collapse.
3. Measure and record feature dimensions, approximate flow rate, and relative
location to existing surface features. Take photos if camera is available.
Document location on a site plan and in inspection report.
4. Place a ring of sand bags around the seepage area with a weir at the top
towards the natural drainage path to monitor flow rate. If boil becomes too
large to sand bag, place a blanket filter over the area using non-woven filter
fabric and pea gravel. Attempt to contain flow in such a manner (without
performing any excavations) that flow rates can be measured. Stockpile
gravel and sand fill for later use, if necessary.
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 23
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Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
Example Remedial Actions -- Potential Failure Interventions
Condition
Description of Condition
Action to be Taken
5. Inspect the dam and collect piezometer, water level and seepage flow data
daily unless otherwise instructed by engineer. Record any changes of
conditions. Carefully observe dam for signs of depressions, seepage,
sinkholes, cracking or movement.
6. Contact geotechnical engineer and provide all data collected.
7. Maintain continuous monitoring of feature. Record measured flow rate
and any changes of condition, including presence or absence of muddy
discharge.
8. Review information collected by field inspection and provide additional
instructions / actions as required. Recommend remedial seepage and stability
measures.
9. If at any time the condition worsens such that downstream flooding is
imminent upgrade emergency level and notify Emergency Manager for
evacuations if necessary.
Embankment
Deformation
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Cracks:
New longitudinal (along the
embankment) or transverse
(across the embankment)
cracks more than 6 inches
deep or more than 3 inches
wide or increasing with time.
New concave cracks on or
near the embankment crest
associated with slope
movement.
1. Measure and record feature dimensions, approximate flow rate, and relative
location to existing surface features. Take photos if camera is available.
Document location on a site plan and in inspection report.
2. Restrict traffic on dam crest to essential emergency operations only.
3. Contact geotechnical engineer and provide all data collected.
4. Place buttress fill (min 3 ft. high, 15 ft. wide) against base of slope
immediately below surface feature and extending 20 ft. beyond visible
feature limits (parallel to the embankment). Stock pile additional fill.
5. Place sand bags as necessary around crack area to divert any storm water
runoff from flowing into crack(s).
6. Inspect the dam; collect piezometer and water level data twice daily unless
otherwise instructed by engineer; and record any changes of condition.
Carefully observe dam for signs of depressions, seepage, sinkholes,
cracking or movement.
7. Review information collected by field inspectors and provide additional
instructions / actions as required. Consider survey monitoring.
8. If condition worsens such that downstream flooding is imminent, upgrade
emergency level and notify Emergency Manager for evacuations if
necessary.
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Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
Example Remedial Actions -- Potential Failure Interventions
Condition
Description of Condition
Slides / Erosion:
Deep slide / erosion (greater than
2 feet deep) on the embankment
that may also extend beyond the
embankment toe but does not
encroach onto the embankment
crest and appears stable with time.
A slide that encroaches into the
embankment crest may require
upgrade to an Imminent Failure
Emergency Level.
Sinkholes:
Small depression observed on the
embankment or within 50 feet of
the embankment toe that is less
than 5 feet deep and 30 feet wide
or which is increasing with time.
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Action to be Taken
1. Measure and record feature dimensions, approximate flow rate, and relative
location to existing surface features. Take photos if camera is available.
Document location on a site plan and in inspection report.
2. Restrict traffic on dam crest to essential emergency operations only.
3. Contact geotechnical engineer and provide all data collected.
4. Re-establish embankment fill slope. Place 5 ft. high buttress fill against base
of slope at the slide location that extends at least 15 ft. beyond the furthest
downstream limits (perpendicular to the embankment) and extending 20 ft.
beyond visible feature limits at either end (parallel to the embankment).
5. Place sand bags as necessary around slide area to divert any storm water
runoff from flowing into slide(s).
6. Inspect the dam; collect piezometer and water level data daily unless
otherwise instructed by engineer; and record any changes of condition.
Carefully observe dam for signs of depressions, seepage, sinkholes,
cracking or movement.
7. Review information collected by field inspectors and provide additional
instructions / actions as required. Consider survey monitoring.
8. Make notifications if conditions worsen such that failure is imminent.
1. Slowly open drain valve(s) to lower reservoir elevation.
2. Measure and record feature dimensions, approximate flow rate, and relative
location to existing surface features. Take photos if camera is available.
Document location on a site plan and in inspection report.
3. Restrict traffic on dam crest to essential emergency operations only.
4. Contact geotechnical engineer and provide all data collected.
5. Backfill the depression with relatively clean earth fill (free of organic
materials) generally even with surrounding grade and slightly mounded (6 to
12 inches higher) in the center in order to shed storm water away from the
depression. Stock pile additional fill.
6. Inspect the dam; collect piezometer and water level data daily unless
otherwise instructed by engineer; and record any changes of condition.
Carefully observe dam for signs of depressions, seepage, sinkholes,
cracking or movement.
7. Review information collected by field inspectors and provide additional
instructions / actions as required. Consider remedial construction such as
Page 25
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Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
Example Remedial Actions -- Potential Failure Interventions
Condition
Earthquake
Description of Condition
An earthquake is felt or reported
in the vicinity of the dam
Action to be Taken
grouting.
8. Make notifications if conditions worsen such that failure is imminent.
1. Immediately conduct a general visual inspection of the entire dam.
2. Perform field survey to determine if there has been any settlement and
movement of the dam embankment, spillway and outlet works.
3. Lower or drain reservoir if necessary.
Gate (Valve)
Malfunction
or Failure –
High
Flow
Anticipated
Downstream
Dam gates / valves damaged
structurally (sabotage, debris,
etc.) with uncontrolled release of
water at a constant volume.
Condition appears stable.
1. Close any other gates, if open.
2. Install XXX or use other methods to stop or slow down the flow of water.
3. Consult a structural / mechanical engineer for evaluation and
recommendations. Consult dam remediation contractor for evaluation
and recommendations.
Sabotage and
Miscellaneous
Other Issues
Criminal action with significant
damage to embankment or
structures where significant
repairs are required and the
integrity of the facility is
compromised – condition
appears stable with time.
1. Contact law enforcement authorities and restrict all access (except
emergency responders) to dam. Restrict traffic on dam crest to essential
emergency operations only.
2. Assess extent of damage and visually inspect entire dam for additional less
obvious damage. Based on inspection results, confirm if extent of damage
to various components of the dam warrants revised emergency level and
additional notifications.
3. If necessary to lower reservoir level, open drain valve(s).
4. Perform additional tasks as directed by the Dam Engineer or designee.
5. Make notifications if conditions worsen.
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 26
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
IMMINENT FAILURE EMERGENCY LEVEL: URGENT; DAM FAILURE IS IMMINENT OR
IN PROGRESS:
A. The Rock Creek Irrigation District Manager must immediately contact the Local Emergency
Official, the Office of the State Engineer Dam Safety Bureau and the Owner’s Engineer.
B. The Rock Creek Irrigation District Manager must do whatever is necessary to bring people in
immediate danger to safety. This includes anyone on the dam, directly below the dam, or
boating on the reservoir.
C. The Local Emergency Official shall lead the efforts to carry out warnings, road closures and
evacuations of people at risk downstream from the dam (see “Evacuation Map” Tab).
D. Emergency Management services personnel shall alert the general public and immediately
evacuate at-risk people and close roads, as necessary
E. The Rock Creek Irrigation District Manager must maintain continuous communication and
provide the Local Emergency Official with updates of the situation to assist him in making timely
decisions concerning warnings and evacuations.
F. The Rock Creek Irrigation District Manager must record all contacts that were made on the
“Contact Checklist” Form (see A-1, Appendix A).
G. The Rock Creek Irrigation District Manager must begin to record all information, observations,
and actions taken on the “Event Log” Form (see A-2, Appendix A). Note the time of changing
conditions and update the Event Log throughout the incident.
H. The Rock Creek Irrigation District Manager must document the situation with photographs and
video, if possible.
I.
Assure personnel monitoring the dam are following safe procedures. Everyone must stay away
from any failing structures and out of the potential breach inundation areas.
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 27
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
STEP 4 – TERMINATION and FOLLOW UP
Whenever the EAP has been activated, an emergency level has been declared, all EAP actions
have been completed, and the emergency is over, the EAP operations must eventually be
terminated and follow-up procedures completed.
Termination Responsibilities
The Local Emergency Official or Incident Command is responsible for terminating EAP operations
and relaying this decision to the Rock Creek Irrigation District Manager. It is then the responsibility
of each person to notify the same group of contacts that he or she notified during the original event
notification process to inform those people that the event has been terminated.
Prior to termination of an Imminent Failure Emergency Level event that has not caused actual dam
failure, the Office of the State Engineer Dam Safety Bureau will inspect the dam or require the
inspection of the dam to determine whether any damage has occurred to the dam that could
potentially result in loss of life, injury, or property damage. Office of the State Engineer Dam Safety
Bureau may require the dam owner to implement operating restrictions and other corrective action.
If it is determined that conditions do not pose a threat to people or property, the Office of the State
Engineer Dam Safety Bureau will advise the Local Emergency Official of the situation at the dam.
Termination of the emergency is the decision of the Local Emergency Official or Incident Command.
Follow Up Responsibilities
The “Dam Safety Emergency Situation Report” (see A-3, Appendix A) shall be completed by the
Rock Creek Irrigation District Manager to document the emergency event and all actions taken. A
copy of the “Dam Safety Emergency Situation Report” shall be mailed to the Office of the State
Engineer Dam Safety Bureau and the Local Emergency Official.
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 28
Insert Side Tab Here
“EAP Review,
Revision & Exercise”
(and recycle this page)
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
EAP REVIEW, REVISION AND EXERCISE
EAP Annual Review
The Rock Creek Irrigation District Manager must review and, if needed, update the Emergency
Action Plan at least once each year. The EAP Annual Review will include the following:



Calling all of the contacts on the three notification charts in the EAP to verify that the phone
numbers and persons in the specified positions are current. The EAP must be revised if any
of the contacts have changed.
Contacting the Local Emergency Official and law enforcement agency to verify the phone
numbers and persons in the specified positions. In addition, the Rock Creek Irrigation
District Manager must ask if the person contacted knows where the EAP is kept and if he or
she understands his or her responsibilities as described in the EAP.
Calling the locally available resources (see B-1, Appendix B) to verify that the phone
numbers, addresses, and services are current.
Revisions
The Rock Creek Irrigation District Manager is responsible for updating the EAP documents. The
EAP document held by the Rock Creek Irrigation District is the master document. When revisions
occur, the Rock Creek Irrigation District Manager must provide the revised pages and a revised
revision log page (Page 3) to all official EAP document holders. The document holders are
responsible for revising their outdated copy of the respective document(s) whenever revisions are
received. Outdated pages shall be immediately discarded to avoid any confusion with the revisions.
EAP Periodic Exercise
The Rock Creek Irrigation District must host and facilitate an Exercise or test of the EAP. A table
top exercise will be scheduled every 2 to 3 years with a functional exercise scheduled at least once
every five years.
The tabletop exercise will typically consist of a meeting arranged and conducted by the dam owner
and his/her engineer. Attendance must include the Rock Creek Irrigation District Manager, key
irrigation district staff members, owner’s engineer, local emergency official, at least one
representative of the local law enforcement agency, and others with key responsibilities listed in the
EAP. Other organizations that may be involved with an unusual or emergency event at the dam are
encouraged to participate. Meeting participants may visit the dam during the tabletop exercise to
familiarize themselves with the dam site before the exercise begins.
The tabletop exercise will begin with the facilitator presenting a scenario of an unusual or
emergency event at the dam. The scenario will be developed prior to the exercise. Once the
scenario has been presented, the participants will discuss the responses and actions that they
would take to address and resolve the scenario. The facilitator will control the discussion, ensuring
realistic responses and developing the scenario throughout the exercise. The Rock Creek Irrigation
District Manager must complete an Event Log, as they would during an actual event. A functional
exercise is similar to a tabletop exercise except the exercise takes place in a stress-induced
environment with time constraints to better evaluate the workability of the EAP.
After the tabletop exercise, the four sections of the EAP will be reviewed and discussed. Mutual aid
agreements and other emergency procedures can be discussed. The Rock Creek Irrigation District
Manager must prepare a written summary of the Periodic Test and revise the EAP as necessary.
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 29
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
RECORD OF HOLDERS OF CONTROL COPIES OF THIS EAP
Copy
Number
1
2
Organization
Include mailing address
Dam Owner
XXXXXX
Rock City, NM 88008
Owner’s Engineer
XXXXXXXXXXXX, PE
Rock City, NM 88008
Person Receiving a Copy
xxxx
xxxx
3
Local Emergency Official
xxxx
4
Other Local Stakeholders
xxxx
5
Office of the State Engineer
Dam Safety Bureau
5550 San Antonio Drive NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
Charles N. Thompson, PE
6
7
8
NM State Emergency Operations Center
P.O. Box 27111
Santa Fe, NM 87502
(505) 476-9635
National Weather Service
(Local Office - __________________)
________________________
____________, NM XXXXX
National Weather Service
_________________ River Forecast Center
________________________
__________, XX XXXXX
xxxx
Lead Forecaster
xxxx
9
10
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 30
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
CONCURRENCES
Not Required by EM:
_____ ___________
Initial and date
(Omit or leave blank and initial above if not required by the Local Emergency Official)
By my signature, I acknowledge that I, or my representative, have reviewed this Emergency Action
Plan and concur with the tasks and responsibilities assigned herein for my organization.
ORGANIZATION
SIGNATURE & DATE
1. ____________________________ __________________________________
Signature
Organization
_______________
Date
Printed Name and Title: _______________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________ __________________________________
Signature
Organization
_______________
Date
Printed Name and Title: _______________________________________________________________
3. ____________________________ __________________________________
Signature
Organization
_______________
Date
Printed Name and Title: _______________________________________________________________
4. ____________________________ __________________________________
Signature
Organization
_______________
Date
Printed Name and Title: _______________________________________________________________
5. ____________________________ __________________________________
Signature
Organization
_______________
Date
Printed Name and Title: _______________________________________________________________
6. ____________________________ __________________________________
Signature
Organization
_______________
Date
Printed Name and Title: _______________________________________________________________
7. ____________________________ __________________________________
Signature
Organization
_______________
Date
Printed Name and Title: _______________________________________________________________
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 31
Insert Side Tab Here
“Appendix A”
(and recycle this page)
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
APPENDICES: FORMS, GLOSSARY, MAPS, AND SUPPORTING
DATA
APPENDIX A
A-1
Contact Checklist __________________________________________________ xx
A-2
Unusual or Emergency Event Log Form _________________________________ xx
A-3
Dam Emergency Situation Report Form _________________________________ xx
A-4
Optional: Other Forms required by Local Emergency Official ________________ xx
A-5
Glossary of Terms __________________________________________________ xx
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 32
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
Appendix A-1 Contact Checklist
(To be completed by the Dam Owner during an emergency)
(Owner to expand these lists if needed to match notification charts—remove this note)
Date: _________________
Dam Name: Rock Creek Dam
County: DeBaca
The following contacts must be made immediately after the emergency level is determined (See
Pages 6-9 for guidance to determine the appropriate emergency level for a specific situation). The
person making the contacts must initial and record the time of the call and who was notified for
each contact made. See the “Notification Charts” Tab for critical contact information and
“Emergency Contacts” Tab for contact information for other possible emergency services.
Non-Failure Emergency Level (see Page 13)
Person
Contacted
Time
Contacted
Contacted
By
____ Owner’s Engineer
________________ ____________
______________
____ OSE Dam Safety
________________ ____________
______________
____ Local Emergency Official
________________ ____________
______________
Potential Failure Emergency Level (see Page 14)
Person
Contacted
Time
Contacted
Contacted
By
____ Owner’s Engineer
________________ ____________
______________
____ OSE Dam Safety
________________ ____________
______________
____ Local Emergency Official
________________ ____________
______________
Imminent Failure Emergency Level (see Page 15)
Person
Contacted
Time
Contacted
Contacted
By
____ Local Emergency Official
________________ ____________
______________
____ OSE Dam Safety
________________ ____________
______________
____ Owner’s Engineer
________________ ____________
______________
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 33
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
Appendix A-2 Unusual or Emergency Event Log
(To be completed by the Dam Owner during the emergency)
Dam Name: Rock Creek Dam
County: DeBaca
When and how was the event detected?
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Weather conditions: _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
General description of the emergency situation: _________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Emergency level determination: ______________ Made by: ______________________________
Actions and Event Progression
Date
Time
Action/Event Progression
Taken By
Report prepared by: _______________________________________ Date: _______________
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 34
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
Appendix A-3 Dam Emergency Situation Report
(To be completed by the Dam Owner following the termination of the emergency)
Dam Name: Rock Creek Dam
OSE Dam ID No.: D-999
Dam Location: Rock City, DeBaca County, Rock Creek Report prepared by: ___________________
Date: _______________________________ Time: _________________________________________
Weather Conditions: _________________________________________________________________
General Description of Emergency Situation: ______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Area(s) of Dam Affected: ______________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Extent of Dam Damage: _______________________________________________________________
Possible Cause(s): ___________________________________________________________________
Effect on Dam’s Operation: ____________________________________________________________
Initial Reservoir Elevation: __________________________ Time: _____________________________
Maximum Reservoir Elevation: ______________________ Time: _____________________________
Final Reservoir Elevation: __________________________ Time: _____________________________
Description of area flooded downstream/damages/injuries/loss of life: ___________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Justification for Termination of the Dam Safety Emergency: __________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Other Data and Comments: ____________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Observer’s name and telephone number: _________________________________________________
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 35
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
Not Required by EM:
_______ ___________
Initial and date
Appendix A-4 Other Forms
(Local Emergency Officials may want to include National Incident Management System forms or
other forms here. If not, this page can be omitted or initial above if not needed–remove this note).
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 36
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
Appendix A-5 Glossary of Terms
ABUTMENT -
That part of the valley side against which the dam is constructed. The left and
right abutments of dams are defined with the observer looking downstream
from the dam.
ACRE-FOOT -
A unit of volumetric measure that would cover one acre to a depth of one
foot. One acre-foot is equal to 43,560 cubic feet or 325,850 gallons.
APPURTENANT STRUCTURE - Ancillary features of a dam such as inlets, conduits, outlets,
spillways, etc.
BERM -
A nearly horizontal step (bench) in the sloping face of the dam.
BOIL -
A disruption of the soil surface due to water discharging from below the
surface. Eroded soil may be deposited in the form of a ring (miniature
volcano) around the disruption.
BREACH -
An opening through the dam that allows draining of the reservoir. A
controlled breach is an intentionally constructed opening. An uncontrolled
breach is an unintended failure of the dam.
CONDUIT -
A closed channel (round pipe or rectangular box) that conveys water through,
around, or under the dam.
CONSEQUENCES - Potential loss of life or property damage downstream of a dam caused
by floodwaters released at the dam or by waters released by partial or
complete failure of dam. Includes effects of landslides upstream of the
dam on property located around the reservoir.
CONTROL SECTION - A usually level segment in the profile of an open channel spillway
above which water in the reservoir discharges through the spillway.
CREST OF DAM -
See “top of dam”.
CROSS SECTION - A slice through the dam showing elevation vertically and direction of natural
water flow horizontally from left to right. Also, a slice through a spillway
showing elevation vertically and left and right sides of the spillway looking
downstream.
DAM -
A man-made barrier constructed across a watercourse or off-channel for the
purpose of storage, control or diversion of water.
DAM FAILURE -
Catastrophic type of failure characterized by the sudden, rapid, and
uncontrolled release of impounded water. There are lesser degrees of
failure, but any malfunction or abnormality outside the design assumptions
and parameters that adversely affect a dam’s primary function of
impounding water is properly considered a failure. Lesser degrees of failure
can progressively lead to or heighten the risk of a catastrophic failure. They
are, however, normally amendable to corrective action.
DRAIN, TOE or FOUNDATION or BLANKET - A water collection system of sand and gravel and
typically pipes along the downstream portion of the dam to collect seepage
and convey it to a safe outlet.
DRAINAGE AREA (WATERSHED) - That geographic area on which all rainfall flows into the dam.
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 37
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
DRAWDOWN -
The lowering or releasing of the water level in a reservoir over time or the
volume lowered or released over a particular period of time.
EMERGENCY -
A condition that develops unexpectedly, endangers the structural integrity of
the dam and/or downstream human life and property, and requires immediate
action to protect life or property.
EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN (EAP) - A formal document identifying potential emergency
conditions that may occur at the dam and specifying preplanned
actions to minimize potential failure of the dam or minimize failure
consequences including loss of life, property damage, and
environmental impacts. The EAP describes actions the dam owner
will take to moderate or alleviate a problem at the dam, as well as
actions the dam owner, in coordination with emergency management
authorities, will take to respond to incidents or emergencies related to
the dam.
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER - The location or facility where responsible officials
gather during an emergency to direct and coordinate emergency
operations, to communicate with other jurisdictions and with field
emergency forces, and to formulate protective action decisions and
recommendations during an emergency.
EAP EXERCISE - Activity designed to promote prevention, preparedness, and response to incidents
and emergencies, and may also be extended to include recovery operations.
The exercise also demonstrates the EAP’s effectiveness in an actual
situation and demonstrates the readiness levels of key personnel. Periodic
exercises result in an improved EAP because lessons learned are
incorporated into the updated EAP document. Exercises consist of testing
and performing the duties, tasks, or operations identified and defined within
the EAP through a simulated event.
EVACUATION MAP - A map showing the geographic area downstream of a dam that should be
evacuated if it is threatened to be flooded by a breach of the dam or other
large discharge.
FILTER -
Layers of sand and gravel in a drain that allow seepage through an
embankment to discharge into the drain without eroding the embankment
soil.
FREEBOARD -
The vertical distance between the spillway crest and the lowest point of the
dam crest not including camber.
GATE, SLIDE or SLUICE or REGULATING - An operable, watertight valve to manage the
discharge of water from the dam.
GROIN -
The area along the intersection of the face of a dam and the abutment.
HAZARD -
A situation that creates the potential for adverse consequences such as loss
of life, property damage and environmental impacts.
HEIGHT, DAM-
The vertical distance between the lowest point along the top of the dam and
the lowest point at the downstream toe which usually occurs in the bed of the
outlet channel.
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 38
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
HYDROGRAPH, INFLOW or OUTFLOW or BREACH - A graphical representation of either the
flow rate or flow depth at a specific point above or below the dam over time
for a specific flood occurrence.
INCIDENT - An incident in terms of dam operation includes an impending or actual sudden release
of water caused by an accident to, or failure of, a dam or other water
retaining structure, or the result of an impending flood condition when the
dam is not in danger of failure, or any condition that may affect the safe
operation of the dam. The release of water may or may not endanger
human life, downstream property and structures, or facility operations.
INCIDENT COMMANDER - The highest predetermined official available at the scene of an
emergency situation.
INSTRUMENTATION - An arrangement of devices installed into or near dams that provide
measurements to evaluate the structural behavior and other performance
parameters of the dam and appurtenant structures.
INUNDATION AREA or MAP - The geographic area downstream of the dam that would be flooded
by a breach of the dam or other large discharge. The inundation map is used
to develop the evacuation map.
LENGTH OF DAM - The length along the top of the dam between the abutments.
NOTIFICATION -
To immediately inform appropriate individuals, organizations, or agencies
about a potentially emergency situation so they can initiate appropriate
actions.
OPERATOR -
The person or position in a company or organization, who is responsible for a
dam’s operation and surveillance.
OUTLET WORKS (PRINCIPAL SPILLWAY) - An appurtenant structure that provides for controlled
passage of normal water flows through the dam.
PIPING -
The progressive destruction of an embankment or embankment foundation
by internal erosion of the soil by seepage flows.
PROBABLE MAXIMUM PRECIPITATION (PMP) or FLOOD (PMF) - The theoretically greatest
precipitation or resulting flood that is meteorologically feasible for a given
duration over a specific drainage area at a particular geographical location.
RESERVOIR -
The body of water impounded or potentially impounded by the dam.
RIPRAP -
A layer of large rock, precast blocks, bags of cement, or other suitable
material, generally placed on an embankment or along a watercourse as
protection against wave action, erosion, or scour.
RISK -
A measure of the likelihood and severity of an adverse consequence.
SEEPAGE -
The natural movement of water through the embankment, foundation, or
abutments of the dam.
SLIDE -
The disrupted movement of a mass of earth down a slope on the
embankment or abutment of the dam.
SPILLWAY (AUXILIARY or EMERGENCY) - The appurtenant structure that provides the controlled
conveyance of excess water through, over, or around the dam.
SPILLWAY CAPACITY - The maximum discharge the spillway can safely convey with the reservoir
at the maximum design elevation.
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 39
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
SPILLWAY CREST - The lowest level at which reservoir water can flow into the spillway.
TAILWATER -
The body of water immediately downstream of the embankment at a
specific point in time.
TOE OF DAM -
The junction of the downstream face of an embankment with the ground
surface
TOP OF DAM (CREST OF DAM) - The elevation of the uppermost surface of an embankment,
which can safely impound water behind the dam.
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 40
Insert Side Tab Here
“Appendix B”
(and recycle this page)
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
APPENDICES: FORMS, GLOSSARY, MAPS, AND SUPPORTING DATA
APPENDIX B
B-1
Resources Available ________________________________________________ xx
B-2
Location and Vicinity Map ____________________________________________ xx
B-3
Evacuation Map ____________________________________________________ xx
B-4
Residents/Businesses/Highways at Risk ________________________________ xx
B-5
Inundation Map ____________________________________________________ xx
B-6
Metadata Documentation for EAP Maps _________________________________ xx
B-7
Plan View of Dam __________________________________________________ xx
B-8
Profile of Dam along Outlet Conduit ____________________________________ xx
B-9
Reservoir Elevation-Area-Volume, Outlet and Spillway Capacity Data __________ xx
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 41
Insert Side Tab Here
“Resources”
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
Appendix B-1 Resources Available
Locally Available Equipment, Labor, and Materials
The Irrigation District has the following resources that can be utilized in the event of an emergency:







two front-end loaders
two backhoes
one track hoe
two graders
two dump trucks
a sand borrow pit
a clay borrow pit
Other locally available resources include:
Heavy Equipment Service
& Rental:
Sand & Gravel Supply:
Ready-Mix Concrete Supply
Bob’s Dozer Service
134 Elm Street
Rock City, NM
505-555-XXXX
Kern’s Sand and Gravel
R.R. 2
Rock City, NM
505-555-XXXX
Burnett Concrete Co.
231 Sixth Street
Dry Gulch, NM
505-555-XXXX
Tiller Construction Co.
405 Second Street
Dry Gulch, NM
505-555-XXXX
Renfro Sand Products
334 Aston Ave.
Spring Lake, NM
505-555-XXXX
Pumping Contractor:
Diving Contractor:
Sand Bags
A to Z Rental
569 Seventh Street
Rock City, NM
505-555-XXXX
Steve White
2201 56th Street
Johnstown, NM
505-555-XXXX
A to Z Rental
5643 Water Street
Johnson, NM
575-555-XXXX
Alternate sources of power:_________________________________________________________
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 42
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
Appendix B-2 Location and Vicinity Maps
(Example maps shown—remove this note)
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 43
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
Insert Top Tab Here
“Evacuation Map”
(and recycle this page)
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
Appendix B-3: EVACUATION MAP
Evacuations zones are based solely on flood waters from the watershed
above Rock Creek Dam. Tributary flows below the dam were not considered.
Actual flood conditions may differ.
Evacuation Areas
Area 1 (13 Residences and 3
Businesses)
South of the Santa Fe Railroad
East of Highway 44
West of County Road 2100
North of County Road 1100
Area 2 (No Residences)
South of County Road 1300
East of County Road 2300
West of Highway 44
North of Rock Creek Dam
Major Road Closures to Non-emergency Vehicles
Highway 44
Southbound lanes at County Road 1300
Northbound lanes at County Road 1100
Interstate 40
Eastbound lanes at Highway 44
Westbound lanes at County Road 2000
(Example maps shown—remove this note)
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 44
Insert Top Tab Here
“People at Risk”
(and recycle this page)
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
Appendix B-4 Residents/Businesses/Highways at Risk
A major flood caused by a sudden breach of the dam could inundate six homes, three businesses,
three highways and the sewer line crossing NM State Road 66. These homes and businesses are
marked on the evacuation map. Floodwaters will reach the first home approximately 15 minutes
after a dam failure.
House/
Business
No.*
Resident/Bus.
Address
Phone
No.
Distance
Dstrm.
from dam
(feet)
Max Water
Depth above
1st floor
(feet)
Velocity
of flow
(cfs)
1
Fred & Ethel James
10300 132nd St.
555-3425
5,000
5.4
10
B-2
Larry’s Hardware
3214 Chestnut
555-3296
11,400
0.8
6
B-3
Lori’s Boutique
2288 Farm Road
555-3395
11,600
2.6
6
B-4
Bill’s Coffee Shop
1455 Sugar St.
555-8822
11,800
4.8
6
5
Terry & Ann Smith
4812 Chestnut
555-3399
13,600
3.0
3
6
Amos Hill
5500 Apple Road
555-2266
14,000
3.2
3
7
Allen & Ruth Jones
4814 Chestnut
555-3888
13,800
1.2
3
8
Mike & Carol Green
4902 Chestnut
555-0937
14,000
2.4
3
9
Stephanie Evans
4910 Chestnut
555-1111
14,200
0.5
3
2,000
7.9
12
Interstate 40
10,000
3.4
6
NM State Rd 66
11,200
3.4
6
11,200
3.4
6
NM State Rd 44
Rock City WWTP
State Rd 44
555-6578
* See Appendix B-3; Evacuation Map
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 45
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
Appendix B-5 Inundation Map
(Example maps shown—remove this note)
Example Inundation Map Disclaimer Language: Inundation zones are based solely on flood waters
from the watershed above Rock Creek Dam. No contributing tributary flow is considered. Methods,
procedures and assumptions used to develop the flooded areas, the limits of the flooding shown
and flood wave travel times are approximate and should only be used as a guideline for
establishing evacuation zones. Actual areas inundated will depend on the actual failure conditions
and may differ from areas shown.
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 46
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
Appendix B-6 Metadata Documentation for EAP Maps
(Completed by the Professional Engineer responsible for inundation map preparation)
Identification Information
Map Title:
Geographic Area Covered:
Rules for Use:
Last Update Date:
Data Quality Information
Software Model(s)
(Version(s)
Units of Measure:
Description of Storm Event(s)
(Include citation of reports used to
develop storm events)
Starting Reservoir Elevation
Source of Cross Section Data
(USGS topo maps, survey data,
DEM)
Accuracy of Cross Section
Data
(40 ft contours, survey grade, etc)
Source of Reservoir Data
(Estimate from USGS topo, detailed
survey, original design)
Accuracy of Reservoir Data
(Rough estimate, detailed survey,
etc)
Other Engineering
Assumptions
(Range of Mannings n, contributing flows
below the dam, spillway discharge, etc.)
Engineer
(Firm and contact information)
Modifications
(summary of modifications to maps, dates
and who mad modifications)
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 47
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
Appendix B-7 Plan View of Dam
(Example drawings shown—remove this note)
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 48
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
Appendix B-8 Profile of Dam along Outlet Conduit
or Maximum Cross Section if no outlet
(Example drawings shown—remove this note)
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 49
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
Appendix B-9 Reservoir Elevation-Area-Volume and Outlet and Spillway
Capacity
ROCK CREEK DAM
Elevation
Feet
1682
1684
1686
1688
1690
1692
1694
1696
Outlet
1697
1698
1700
1702
1704
1706
1708
1710
Emer. Spill.
1712
1714
1716
1718
1720
1720.2
Reservoir
Surface
Area, acres
0.0
0.3
2.0
3.7
8.6
15.9
18.7
23.5
Reservoir
Storage
Acre-feet
0.0
0.3
2.5
8.2
20.5
45.0
79.6
121.8
Spillway
Discharge
Cfs
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
26.2
31.1
40.8
49.3
62.0
71.4
86.7
98.6
146.7
175.4
247.3
337.4
448.7
582.1
740.2
925.5
0.00
45
46
82
87
92
97
102
115.0
129.9
145.3
160.7
178.8
180.6
1139.1
1384.0
1659.2
1965.2
2304.7
2340.6
108
516
2090
4437
7763
7937
Maximum Outlet Discharge = 30 cfs
Maximum Spillway Discharge = 2340 cfs
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 50
Notebook spine
Rock Creek Dam NMOSE File No. D-xxx
EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN
Rock Creek Irrigation District
De Baca County, NM
Copy
___
of
___