Type reservoir Basin countries United States Surface elevation 1,855 m Catchment area 8,262 km² | Primary outflows San Juan River Surface area 15,600 acres (63 km) Area 63.13 km² Outflow location San Juan River | |
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Primary inflows Water volume 1,708,600 acre·ft (2.1075 km) Inflow source Piedra River, San Juan River | ||
Navajo Lake is a reservoir located in San Juan County and Rio Arriba County in northwestern New Mexico, in the southwestern United States. Portions of the reservoir extend into Archuleta County in southern Colorado. The lake is part of the Colorado River Storage Project, which here manages the upper reaches of the San Juan River, storing and releasing water that is used locally for irrigation, or ultimately reaching the Colorado River in Utah. Water is impounded in Navajo Lake by the earth- and rock-filled Navajo Dam, 3,800 feet (1,200 m) long and 400 feet (120 m) high, completed in 1962. The 15,600-acre (63 km2) lake is over 25 miles (40 km) long and lies at an elevation of up to 6,085 feet (1,855 m).
Map of Navajo Reservoir, United States
The construction of the dam and the resulting lake flooded and destroyed one of the Navajos' most sacred sites.
Two shoreline areas near the dam in New Mexico are part of the Navajo Lake State Park, featuring over 200 camping and picnic sites, and two improved boat ramps and two marinas. The river shorelines below the dam are also part of the state park, as well as a BLM Recreation Area. An area in Colorado near the head of the lake is the Navajo State Recreation Area. The lake is an excellent destination for camping and general boating, as well Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, Northern Pike, Channel Catfish, and Trout fishing.