NEW MEXICO OFFICE OF THE STATE ENGINEER
DAM SAFETY BUREAU
EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN FORM
March 23, 2011
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 EAP is provided to assist the Dam Owner in preparing an EAP that complies with State
requirements. The format has been reviewed by the State Office of Emergency Management 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 attached 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 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. This model EAP is available for
download at the OSE website listed below.
http://www.ose.state.nm.us/water_info_dam_safety_info.html
The Dam Owner is encouraged to review the OSE paper “Emergency Action Plans for Dams”. The
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 the local emergency official 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 generic exercise to address several dams in their jurisdiction.
The EAP must be submitted in a 3-ring binder with dividers and tabs. Areas of the EAP shaded in
yellow are brought to the attention of the EAP Preparer and must be customized or completed and the
yellow shading removed.
If there are any questions regarding preparation of an EAP for a specific dam or suggested revisions to
this form, please contact the OSE Dam Safety Bureau at (505) 827-6122.
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
Copy ____ of _____
EAP CERTIFICATIONS
DAM OWNER’S CERTIFICATION
[Use the following certification if owner is an individual and not a corporation political subdivision of the state then
delete this statement]
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 statement]
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 determination (step 2), expected actions (step 4),
evacuation maps, 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
determination (step 2), expected actions (step 4), evacuation maps, 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 ,
(SEAL)
Mike Brown
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__.
__(Official’s signature)_____________________
Print Official’s Name
Print Official’s Title
Page iii
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__.
__(Official’s 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”
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BASIC EAP DATA
1
EAP OVERVIEW
2
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
3
FIVE STEP EAP PROCESS
1. EVENT DETECTION
5
2. EMERGENCY LEVEL DETERMINATION
6
GUIDANCE FOR DETERMINING THE EMERGENCY LEVEL
7
EXAMPLES OF EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
8
3. NOTIFICATION AND COMMUNICATION
10
NOTIFICATION FLOW CHARTS
13
OTHER EMERGENCY SERVICES CONTACTS
16
4. EXPECTED ACTIONS
17
EMERGENCY LEVEL 1
17
EMERGENCY LEVEL 2
18
EMERGENCY LEVEL 3
20
5. TERMINATION
21
EAP REVIEW, REVISION AND EXERCISE
22
RECORD OF COPY HOLDERS
23
REVISIONS AND UPDATES
24
CONCURRENCES
25
APPENDIXES: FORMS, GLOSSARY, MAPS, AND SUPPORTING DATA
APPENDIX A:
A-1 Contact Checklist
A-2 “Unusual or Emergency Event Log” Form
A-3 “Dam Emergency Situation Report” Form
A-4 Optional: Other Forms required by the Local Emergency Official
A-5 Glossary of Terms
27
28
29
30
31
APPENDIX B:
B-1 Resources Available
B-2 Location and Vicinity Map
B-3 Evacuation Map
B-4 Residents/Businesses/Highways at Risk
B-5 Inundation Map
B-6 Map Metadata
B-7 Profile of Dam along Outlet Conduit
B-8 Plan View of Dam
B-9 Reservoir Elevation-Area-Volume, Outlet and Spillway Capacity
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
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“Basic EAP Data”
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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.
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.
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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“EAP Overview”
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EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN OVERVIEW
STEP 1:
Event Detection
DETECT EVENT
ASSESS SITUATION
DETERMINE EMERGENCY LEVEL
STEP 2:
Emergency Level
Determination
STEP 3:
Notification and
Communication
EMERGENCY
LEVEL 1
EMERGENCY
LEVEL 2
EMERGENCY
LEVEL 3
Unusual Event;
Slowly
Developing
Potential Dam
Failure Situation;
Rapidly
Developing
Urgent;
Dam Failure is
Imminent or in
Progress
NOTIFY
NOTIFY
NOTIFY
Level 1
Lists
Level 2
Lists
Level 3
Lists
SAVE DAM
STEP 4:
Expected Actions
STEP 5:
Termination
and
Follow-up
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
MONITOR
Protective
Actions
SAVE
PEOPLE
Evacuate
TERMINATION & FOLLOW-UP
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“Roles and
Responsibilities”
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ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
DAM OWNER REPRESENTATIVE






Responsible for monitoring dam and identifying potential problem (see “Step 1: Event
Detection” Tab)
As soon as an emergency event is observed or reported, immediately determine the
emergency level (see “Step 2: Level Determination” Tab)
o Emergency Level 1: Unusual event, slowly developing
o Emergency Level 2: Potential dam failure situation, rapidly developing
o Emergency Level 3: Dam failure is imminent or in progress
Immediately notify the personnel in the order shown on the notification flow chart for the
appropriate level (see “Step 3: Notification Flow Charts” Tab).
Implement expected actions to prevent the dam from failing (see “Step 4 Expected Actions”
Tab). Emergency Remedial Actions not identified in Step 4 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.
Review and update the EAP annually, coordinate the EAP exercise and provide copies of
the revised EAP to all record copy holders of the EAP
LOCAL EMERGENCY Official





Maintain communication with media
When a Emergency Level 1 occurs, review the EAP and respond in accordance with local
emergency response plan
When a Level 2 situation occurs: Prepare emergency management personnel for possible
evacuations, in accordance with local emergency response plan, that may be needed if a
Level 3 situation occurs
When a Level 3 situation occurs:
o Alert the general public of the emergency
o Immediately close roads and evacuate people located within the evacuation area (see
“Evacuation Map” Tab)
Participate in annual review and update of the EAP
INCIDENT COMMANDER


When a Level 2 situation occurs: Prepare local law enforcement personnel for possible
evacuations that may be needed if a Level 3 situation occurs
When a Level 3 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



Advise dam owner on emergency level determination if time permits
Advise dam owner on remedial actions to take if Level 1 or Level 2 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
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
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OFFICE OF THE STATE ENGINEER – DAM SAFETY BUREAU



Approve remedial actions to take if Level 1 event occurs and if time permits
Approve unanticipated remedial actions to take if Level 2 event occurs and if time permits
Advise New Mexico Office of Emergency Management on status at dam
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
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“Event Detection”
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THE FIVE-STEP EAP PROCESS
STEP 1 - EVENT DETECTION
This step 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 “Guidance for Determining the Emergency Level” table (Page 7) for assistance in evaluating
specific events to determine if they are unusual or potential emergency situations.
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
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“Emergency Levels”
For Official Use Only
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STEP 2 – 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:
Emergency Level 1; Non-emergency, unusual event, slowly developing:
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 4, Expected 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.
Emergency Level 2; 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
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 4,
Expected Actions, if time permits and 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.
[Optional: Emergency Level 2 is also applicable when flow through the earth spillway may to result
in flooding of downstream areas and people near the channel could be endangered. Emergency
services should be on alert to initiate evacuations or road closures if the flooding increases.]
Emergency Level 3; 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. [Optional: This
situation is applicable when flow through the earth spillway is causing downstream flooding of
people and roads or potential flow through the spillway will cause downstream flooding of people
and roads.] 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
Page 6
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
GUIDANCE FOR DETERMINING THE EMERGENCY LEVEL
Event
Earth
Spillway
Flow
Concrete
Lined
Spillway
Flow
Embankment
Overtopping
Situation
Emergency
Level
Reservoir water surface elevation at spillway crest or spillway is flowing with no
active erosion
X
Spillway flowing with active gully erosion
X
Optional: Reservoir water surface elevation is X ft. below the spillway crest and
water level continues to rise, flooding people downstream is anticipated
X
Spillway flowing with an advancing headcut that is threatening the control section
Optional: Spillway flow that will flood people downstream
Spillway flow exceeds historic discharge
X
X
X
Spillway flow is causing damage to the spillway or overtopping spillway retaining
walls
X
Spillway is failing
X
X
X
Reservoir level is X ft. below the top of the dam
Water from the reservoir is flowing over the top of the dam
New seepage areas in or near the dam
Embankment
Cracking
New cracks in the embankment greater than 1/4-inch wide without seepage
Embankment
Movement
Visual movement/slippage of the embankment slope
Instruments
Instrumentation readings beyond predetermined values
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
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 felt or reported on or within 50 miles of the dam
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Seepage
New seepage areas with cloudy discharge or increasing rate of flow
Seepage with discharge greater than X gallons per minute and cloudy discharge
Sinkhole
Mechanical
Earthquake
Observation of new sinkhole in the reservoir area or on the embankment
Rapidly enlarging sinkhole
Cracks in the embankment with seepage
Sudden or rapidly proceeding slide of the embankment slopes
Earthquake resulting in visible damage to the dam or appurtenances
Earthquake resulting in uncontrolled release of water from the dam
Security
Threat
Sabotage /
Vandalism
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
Damage to dam or appurtenances that has resulted in seepage flow
Damage to dam or appurtenances that has resulted in uncontrolled water release
Emergency level 1: Non-emergency, unusual event, slowly developing
Emergency level 2: Potential dam failure situation, rapidly developing
Emergency level 3: 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
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 7
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Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
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. The
groupings 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.
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
Emergency Level 2 - Potential Dam Failure Situation; Rapidly Developing
1. 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.
2. Optional: Flow through the earth spillway may cause flooding that could threaten people,
homes, and/or roads downstream from the dam.
Emergency Level 3 – Urgent; Dam Failure is Imminent or in Progress
1. 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.
2. Optional: Flow through the earth spillway is causing flooding that is threatening people, homes,
and/or roads downstream from the dam.
CONCRETE LINED SPILLWAY FLOWS
Emergency Level 2 - Potential Dam Failure Situation; Rapidly Developing
1. Flow through the spillway is causing damage to the spillway or overtopping the spillway
retaining walls.
2. Optional: Flow through the spillway may cause flooding that could threaten people, homes,
and/or roads downstream from the dam.
Emergency Level 3 – Urgent; Dam Failure is Imminent or in Progress
1. Flow has damaged the spillway and failure is progressing at a rapid rate. A breach of the
spillway is imminent or in progress.
2. Optional: Flow through the spillway is causing flooding that is threatening people, homes,
and/or roads downstream from the dam.
EMBANKMENT OVERTOPPING
Emergency Level 2 - 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.
Emergency Level 3 – 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.
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
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SEEPAGE AND SINKHOLES
Emergency Level 2 - 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. 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.
Emergency Level 3 – 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
Emergency Level 2- 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.
Emergency Level 3 – 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
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“Communication”
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
STEP 3 – NOTIFICATION AND COMMUNICATION
NOTIFICATION:
After the emergency level has been determined, the people on the following notification flowchart
for the appropriate emergency level shall be notified immediately.
COMMUNICATION:
Emergency Level 1: Non-emergency, Unusual Event; Slowly Developing:
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.
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 a Level 1 emergency condition at Rock Creek Dam that is located 2 miles
south of Rock City. The condition is considered a non-emergency at this time.
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.
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
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Emergency Level 2: Potential Dam Failure Situation; Rapidly Developing:
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
emergency level 2
[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.
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
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Emergency Level 3: 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
emergency level 3
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 prescript 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
recover your possessions. You cannot outrun or drive away from the flood wave.
Proceed immediately to high ground away from the valley.
Repeat Message
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 12
Insert Top Tab Here
“Notification Flow
Charts”
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
EMERGENCY LEVEL 1 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
3
2
OWNER’S
ENGINEER
OFFICE OF THE
STATE ENGINEER
Brown Engineering
Dam Safety Bureau
Mike Brown, P.E.
505-827-6111 (Office)
DeBaca County Official
505-555-4321 Office
505-555-1234 (Office)
505-555-5678 (Home)
505-555-9012 (Cell)
505-476-9635
(NMOEC 24-hr Duty Off)
505-555-8765 Cell
Note:
1, 2, 3, etc. denotes call
sequence
Legend:
Calls by Owner
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
See “Step 3” Tab for
prescripted messages
LOCAL
EMERGENCY
OFFICIAL
See “Emergency Service
Contacts” Tab for contact
information for back-ups to the
persons shown above and other
emergency personnel
Page 13
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
EMERGENCY LEVEL 2 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
2
OFFICE OF THE
STATE ENGINEER
Dam Safety Bureau
Mike Brown, P.E.
505-827-6111 (Office)
505-555-1234 (Office)
505-555-5678 (Home)
505-555-9012 (Cell)
505-476-9635 (NMEOC
24-hour No.)
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
xxx-xxx-xxxx
See “Step 3” Tab for
prescripted messages
3
LOCAL
EMERGENCY
OFFICIAL
505-555-4321 Office
505-555-8765 Cell
Local Law Enforcement
505-555-XXXX
NM Highway Patrol
Dispatcher
505-555-XXXX
Other Identified Party
See “Emergency Service
Contacts” Tab for contact
information for back-ups to the
persons shown above and other
emergency personnel
Page 14
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
EMERGENCY LEVEL 3 NOTIFICATIONS
URGENT 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
2
LOCAL
EMERGENCY
OFFICIAL
OFFICE OF THE
STATE
ENGINEER
505-555-XXXX Office
505-555-XXXX Cell
Dam Safety Bureau
505-827-6111 (Office)
Local Law Enforcement
505-555-XXXX
NM Highway Patrol
Dispatcher
505-555-XXXX
505-476-9635(EOC
24-hour No.)
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
xxx-xxx-xxxx
Note:
1, 2, 3, etc. denotes call
sequence
Legend:
Calls by Owner
Second Level Calls
3
See “Step 3” 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 15
Insert Side Tab Here
“Emergency
Services Contacts”
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
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 16
Insert Top Tab Here
“Expected Actions”
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
STEP 4 – EXPECTED 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.
Emergency Level 1: Non-emergency, Unusual Event; Slowly Developing:
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 7) for
the appropriate event level for the new condition and recommended actions.
B. Record all contacts that were made on the “Contacts Checklist” Form (see A-1, Appendix A).
C. 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.
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 Emergency Level 2 condition.
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 17
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
Emergency Level 2: Potential Dam Failure Situation; Rapidly Developing:
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 7) 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).
F. The Rock Creek Irrigation District Manager must 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.
G. If time permits, the emergency remedial actions listed below must be taken as appropriate.
Emergency Remedial Actions
If time permits, the following emergency remedial actions must be considered for Emergency Level
2 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, requiring implementation of
several modes of remedial actions. Close monitoring of the dam must be maintained to confirm the
success of any remedial action taken at the dam. Time permitting, 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.
Embankment Overtopping
1. If the water level in the reservoir is no longer rising, place sandbags along low areas of the top
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.
Spillway Discharge
1. Optional: Completely close the gate to the reservoir inlet.
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 18
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
Seepage and Sinkholes
1. Open outlet gate to lower the reservoir level as rapidly as possible to a level that stops or
decreases the seepage to a non-erosive velocity. If the gate is damaged or blocked, pumping or
siphoning may be required.
2. Continue lowering the water level at a safe drawdown rate until the seepage stops.
3. If the entrance to the seepage origination point is observed in the reservoir (possible whirlpool)
and is accessible, attempt to reduce the flow by plugging the entrance with readily available
materials, including hay bales, bentonite, soil or rock fill, or plastic sheeting.
4. Cover the seepage exit area(s) with several feet of sand/gravel to hold fine-grained
embankment or foundation materials in place. Alternatively, construct sandbag or other types of
ring dikes around seepage exit areas to retain a pool of water, providing backpressure and
reducing the erosive nature of the seepage.
5. Prevent vehicles and equipment from driving between the seepage exit points and the
embankment to avoid potential loss from the collapse of an underground void.
Embankment Movement
1. Open outlet gates and lower the reservoir to a safe level at a rate commensurate with the
urgency and severity of the condition of the slide or slump. Draining the reservoir may be
required. If the gate is damaged or blocked, pumping or siphoning may be required.
2. Repair settlement of the crest by placing sandbags or earth and rock fill materials in the
damaged area to restore freeboard.
3. Stabilize slides on the downstream slope by placing a soil or rock fill buttress against the toe
area of the slide.
Earthquake
1. Immediately conduct a general overall visual inspection of the dam.
2. Perform field survey to determine if there has been any settlement and movement of the dam
embankment, spillway and low level outlet works.
3. Drain reservoir if required.
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 19
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
Emergency Level 3: 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 there were made on the
“Contact Checklist” Form (see A-1, Appendix A).
G. The Rock Creek Irrigation District Manager must record all information, observations, and
actions taken on the “Event Log” Form (see A-2, Appendix A). Note the time of changing
conditions.
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 20
Insert Side Tab Here
“Termination”
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
STEP 5 – TERMINATION
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 Emergency Level 3 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.
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 21
Insert Side Tab Here
“EAP Review,
Revision & Exercise”
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 will 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 summary page 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 function exercise scheduled at least once
every five years.
The tabletop exercise will consist of a meeting conducted at the Rock Creek Irrigation District office.
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 five 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 22
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
________________________
Rock City, NM 88008
Owner’s Engineer
________________________
Rock City, NM 88008
3
Local Emergency Official
4
Other Local Stakeholders
5
Office of the State Engineer
Dam Safety Bureau
P.O. Box 25102
Santa Fe, NM 87505
6
7
8
Person Receiving a Copy
NM Homeland Security
P.O. Box ____________
Santa Fe, NM 87508
National Weather Service
(Local Office - __________________)
________________________
____________, NM XXXXX
National Weather Service
_________________ River Forecast Center
________________________
__________, XX 78123
9
10
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 23
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
RECORD OF REVISIONS AND UPDATES
Revision
Number
Date
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Revisions Made
By Whom
Page 24
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
CONCURRENCES
(Omit 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 25
Insert Side Tab Here
“Appendix”
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
APPENDIXES
FORMS, GLOSSARY, MAPS, AND SUPPORTING DATA
APPENDIX A
A-1
Contact Checklist
A-2
Unusual or Emergency Event Log Form
A-3
Dam Emergency Situation Report Form
A-4
Optional: Other Forms required by Local Emergency Official
A-5
Glossary of Terms
APPENDIX B
B-1
Resources Available
B-2
Location and Vicinity Map
B-3
Evacuation Map
B-4
Residents/Businesses/Highways at Risk
B-5
Inundation Map
B-6
Metadata Documentation for EAP Maps
B-7
Plan View of Dam
B-8
Profile of Dam along Outlet Conduit
B-9
Reservoir Elevation-Area-Volume, Outlet and Spillway Capacity Data
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 26
Insert Side Tab Here
“Appendix A”
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
Appendix A-1
Contact Checklist
(Completed by the Dam Owner during the emergency)
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.
Emergency Level 1 (see Page 13) Person
Contacted
Time
Contacted
Contacted
By
____ Owner’s Engineer
_____________
____________
_____________
____ OSE Dam Safety
_____________
____________
_____________
____ Local Emergency Official
_____________
____________
_____________
Emergency Level 2 (see Page 14) Person
Contacted
Time
Contacted
Contacted
By
____ Owner’s Engineer
_____________
____________
_____________
____ OSE Dam Safety
_____________
____________
_____________
____ Local Emergency Official
_____________
____________
_____________
Emergency Level 3 (see Page 15) Person
Contacted
Time
Contacted
Contacted
By
____ Local Emergency Official
_____________
____________
_____________
____ OSE Dam Safety
_____________
____________
_____________
____ Owner’s Engineer
_____________
____________
_____________
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 27
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
Appendix A-2
Unusual or Emergency Event Log
(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 28
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
APPENDIX A-3
Dam Emergency Situation Report
(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
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: ___________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Other Data and Comments: ____________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Observer’s name and telephone number: _________________________________________________
Report Prepared by: ________________________________
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Date: ______________
Page 29
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
Appendix A-4
Other Forms
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 30
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
APPENDIX A-4
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, conduits, 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.
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 -
The uncontrolled release of a dam’s impounded water.
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.
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.
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.
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 31
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
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.
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 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.
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 32
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
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.
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 33
Insert Side Tab Here
“Appendix B”
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
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 34
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
Appendix B-2
Location and Vicinity Maps
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 35
Insert Top Tab Here
“Evacuation Map”
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
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 36
Insert Top Tab Here
“People at Risk”
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 37
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
Appendix B-5
Inundation Map
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 38
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
Appendix B-6
Metadata Documentation for EAP Maps
(Completed by the Professional Engineer)
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 Engineer 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 39
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
Appendix B-7
Plan View of Dam
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 40
For Official Use Only
Revision No. ___ xx/xx/20xx
Appendix B-8
Profile of Dam along Outlet Conduit
Rock Creek Dam, DeBaca County
Page 41
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 42