SUNLAND PARK, NM — The City of Sunland Park is working closely with regional partners to monitor structural concerns at the Cement Lake Dam, located in El Paso County, Texas. As of 11:00 AM on April 24, 2026, officials report that water levels behind the earthen dam have been successfully reduced to 48 inches.

Based on current flood modeling and expert reviews, there is no risk to residential areas in Sunland Park, including District 5. Any potential release of water from the dam is expected to remain entirely contained within the Rio Grande channel. At this time, no evacuations are anticipated, and there are no recommendations for residents to leave their homes.

To further stabilize the dam, high-capacity pumps are being deployed to expedite the removal of remaining water. The technical goal is to reach a 10-foot drawdown to ensure the long-term integrity of the structure. While a portion of the dam face recently crumbled, prompting increased oversight, the primary concern remains the potential release of sediment into the river rather than residential flooding.

The City of Sunland Park is maintaining 24/7 coordination with several local and state agencies to ensure community safety, including:

• • El Paso Office of Emergency Management

• • Elephant Butte Irrigation District (EBID)

• • Doña Ana County Flood Commission

• • Sunland Park Fire Department 

Mayor Javier Perea and city leadership will provide further details during a press conference today at 2:00 PM at City Hall Council Chambers. Residents are encouraged to rely on official City channels for updates and to avoid spreading unconfirmed information. If conditions change, the City will share immediate updates through the official website, social media, and emergency notification systems.