Carlsbad in Eddy County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Carlsbad Irrigation Flume
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, October 26, 2012
1. Carlsbad Irrigation Flume Marker
Inscription.
Carlsbad Irrigation Flume. . , The massive concrete flume in the distance carries water from the Pecos River to irrigate much of the farmland in this area. It is a vital link in an extensive irrigation system which made possible development of the region's agricultural resources. A wooded flume constructed in 1890 washed away in 1902 and was replaced by the more substantial concrete structure in 1903.
The massive concrete flume in the distance carries water from the Pecos River to irrigate much of the farmland in this area. It is a vital link in an extensive irrigation system which made possible development of the region's agricultural resources. A wooded flume constructed in 1890 washed away in 1902 and was replaced by the more substantial concrete structure in 1903.
Location. 32° 26.696′ N, 104° 15.459′ W. Marker is in Carlsbad, New Mexico, in Eddy County. Marker is at the intersection of Westridge Drive (U.S. 285) and Callaway Drive, on the right when traveling east on Westridge Drive. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Carlsbad NM 88220, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Points of Interest
New Mexico's Historic Markers typically have a map on the back side showing the location of other OSHM's. This is an excellent source of information when exploring for other Historical Markers and locations.
Photographed By Tina Mischke, October 9, 2020
3. Carlsbad Irrigation Flume Marker
The marker is now at its new location on Westridge Drive at Heritage Park.
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, October 26, 2012
4. Carlsbad Irrigation Flume Marker
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, October 26, 2012
5. Carlsbad Irrigation Flume
Photographed By Tina Mischke, October 9, 2020
6. An additional marker on the Carlsbad Irrigation Flume
The Flume
Originally built of wood in 1890. A concrete flume replaced the wooden structure after it was washed away in a 1902 flood. At the time of its 1903 construction, it was the largest concrete structure in the world. In 1904, a major flood destroyed every dam and bridge in the valley. Only the concrete flume survived. Over 100 years later, the aqueduct is still in use today carrying Pecos River water from Lake Avalon across the river as part of the Carlsbad Irrigation District. The flume was once featured in Ripley's Believe It or Not as the river the crosses itself. The flume provides water to an extensive irrigation system which helps to irrigate farmland in the area and develop the region’s agricultural resources.
Photographed By Tina Mischke, October 9, 2020
7. Carlsbad Irrigation Flume
Credits. This page was last revised on October 11, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 28, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,499 times since then and 94 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on November 28, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 3. submitted on October 9, 2020, by Tina Mischke of Lakewood, New Mexico. 4, 5. submitted on November 28, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 6, 7. submitted on October 9, 2020, by Tina Mischke of Lakewood, New Mexico. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.