Adjuntas Dam

GRANDE DE ARECIBO RIVER· Adjuntas, Puerto Rico· Built 1950· Gravity· 80 ft tall
High Hazard Hydroelectric Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Adjuntas Dam is classified as high hazard in Puerto Rico. It was completed in 1950 and is 76 years old. Its primary use is hydroelectric. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 80 ft (taller than 36.1% in PR)
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage760 acre-ft
Normal Storage384 acre-ft
Surface Area15 acres
Drainage Area15 sq mi
Max Discharge37,500 cfs
Year Completed1950 (76 years old)
NID IDPR00007

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: August 8, 2019
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: PREPA

Ownership

PUERTO RICO ELECTRIC POWER AUTHORITY

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Adjuntas Dam?

Adjuntas Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Adjuntas Dam?

Adjuntas Dam is owned by PUERTO RICO ELECTRIC POWER AUTHORITY (Public Utility). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Adjuntas Dam built?

Adjuntas Dam was completed in 1950, making it 76 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Adjuntas Dam?

Adjuntas Dam serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Adjuntas Dam?

Adjuntas Dam has a dam height of 80 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Adjuntas Dam last inspected?

Adjuntas Dam was last inspected on August 8, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.