Coamo Dam
Key Takeaway
Coamo Dam is classified as high hazard in Puerto Rico. It was completed in 1914 and is 112 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. 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 | 65 ft (taller than 27.8% in PR) |
| Dam Type | Buttress |
| Max Storage | 1.4K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 100 acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 145 acres |
| Drainage Area | 66 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 60,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1914 (112 years old) |
| NID ID | PR00016 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
COMMONWEALTH OF PUERTO RICO
State Government
Nearby Dams
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Coamo Dam?
Coamo 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 Coamo Dam?
Coamo Dam is owned by COMMONWEALTH OF PUERTO RICO (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Coamo Dam built?
Coamo Dam was completed in 1914, making it 112 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 Coamo Dam?
Coamo Dam serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Coamo Dam?
Coamo Dam has a dam height of 65 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 Coamo Dam last inspected?
Coamo Dam was last inspected on August 22, 2019. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.