Storrie Lake Watershed Project
Storrie Lake neighbors have pledged $28,000 in monthly soil and water sampling through March 2027.This community-led data campaign can now support NRCS PEIS planning, regional water decisions, and a critical early warning system for the Pecos Arroyo Dam and downstream communities.
$28K PLEDGED
This community-led monitoring effort is arriving at a critical moment for initiating regional water and watershed planning efforts.
| Investment | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Neighbor Contributions | $3,000 | Monthly soil and water sampling from now through March 2027 |
| In-Kind Technical Services | $25,000 | Soil infiltration data (Ksat), site visits, data interpretation, and BMP planning |
| Total Investment | $28,000 | Understanding soil and water entering the north end of the Storrie Lake watershed. |
NRCS Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS)
The NRCS PEIS for the Hermit's Peak-Calf Canyon burn scar is currently in development. The PEIS will evaluate alternatives for post-fire mitigation and restoration across private lands—including the Storrie Lake watershed. Our data will inform the PEIS directly for this area.
NMISC Regional Water Planning
The New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission is actively engaged in water planning for the Gallinas River system, which feeds directly into Storrie Lake. The Gallinas River Adjudication is nearing its final decree, and the City of Las Vegas holds critical water rights in this system.
Local Work Groups
USDA-NRCS New Mexico Team 4 (Las Vegas, Mora, and Raton), Western Mora and Tierra Y Monte SWCD Local Work Groups are the foundation of conservation planning. They identify resource concerns, prioritize solutions, and guide how conservation dollars are spent. Our community-generated data is exactly what these work groups need for localized planning.
Dam Safety & Emergency Action Plans (EAP)
The Pecos Arroyo Watershed Site 1 Dam (also known as the San Guijjuela Arroyo Dam) is located directly upstream of the North Storrie Inlet Canal and Storrie Lake. It is currently rated in "Poor" condition with a "High" hazard potential classification.
Early Warning Detection System
Our monitoring network will serve as an early warning detection system for the Pecos Arroyo Dam, tied directly to the inlet canal stations and communication pathways to NMDOT and motorists along NM 518.
Living Shoreline Conservation & Erosion Practices
Our goal: Use the data we collect to design and install erosion control and shoreline conservation practices that protect the entire North Storrie Lake inlet and surrounding ecosystem--the final barrier before water enters the lake from upstream sources.
Why This Matters for Public Safety, Roads, and Regional Water Planning
The Pecos Arroyo Watershed Site 1 Dam feeds directly into the North Storrie Inlet Canal, which flows into Storrie Lake. The canal intersects several important arterials and private/public easements along NM Hwy. 518 and into the Storrie Lake neighborhood.The data we collect at the inlet and surrounding landowner properties is the first indicator of what's coming off the dam and into the lake—and it's the first warning of potential dam-related flooding along NM Hwy. 518.The State Engineer's Office recently invested over $250,000 in rebuilding the Storrie Project diversion heading to help prevent heavy ash and sediment loads from entering the lake during the Hermit's Peak-Calf Canyon fire recovery. But the watershed is expected to produce sediment and debris for years to come—requiring continuing annual maintenance.Our monitoring program fills the gap between state-level infrastructure investments and community-level data collection.
| Planning Process | How Our Data Supports It |
|---|---|
| NRCS PEIS | Provides current soil and water quality data for the Storrie Lake watershed |
| NMISC Regional Water Planning | Informs decisions with real data on water quality and watershed health |
| Local Work Groups | Gives stakeholders the data they need to prioritize resource concerns |
| Emergency Action Plan Updates | The last EAP was revised in 2019—our data supports needed updates |
| Dam O&M Planning | The dam's "Poor" condition requires ongoing monitoring and maintenance planning by the Owner, Tierra Y Monte SWCD |
| NMDOT Road Safety | Early warning system for NM 518 and bridge crossings |
| Motorist/Landowner Alert System | Real-time communication of flood and dam safety hazards |
Calls to Action
We have $3,000 from neighbors. We have $25,000 in technical services.We have a growing coalition of landowners ready to act.What we still need:- More participation. If you own land in the Storrie Lake area, consider testing your soil and water.
- More funding. Real-time monitoring and conservation practices require additional investment.
- More visibility. Share this campaign with your neighbors and networks.
- Your voice at local work groups and NMISC planning councils. The PEIS needs your comments. Regional water planning needs your voice. Dam safety needs your attention.
- NMDOT engagement. We need NMDOT to partner on early warning systems for NM 518 and associated bridge crossings.
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