Maintenance work on the Nambé Falls Dam scheduled Friday will require the release of a "significant" amount of water in the reservoir and increase river flows downstream, leading local officials to encourage residents of several Northern New Mexico communities to be cautious around low water crossings.

David Neal, chair of the Pojoaque Valley Irrigation District, said the packing seal associated with the dam's valves was found to be leaking water and needs to be replaced in what was described as routine dam maintenance.

He explained the issue was discovered after the district ended the irrigation season Nov. 1, closing the valves.

"The only reason we're concerned is we're going to be releasing a significant amount of water at a time when people don't need it, but we don't have a choice,

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