Dos Bocas Dam

ARECIBO RIVER· Arecibo, Puerto Rico· Built 1942· Gravity· 188 ft tall
High Hazard Hydroelectric Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Dos Bocas Dam is classified as high hazard in Puerto Rico. It was completed in 1942 and is 84 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 188 ft (taller than 80.6% in PR)
Dam TypeGravity
Max Storage50.0K acre-ft
Normal Storage30.4K acre-ft
Surface Area634 acres
Drainage Area170 sq mi
Max Discharge200,000 cfs
Year Completed1942 (84 years old)
NID IDPR00009

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: February 7, 2020
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 Dos Bocas Dam?

Dos Bocas 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 Dos Bocas Dam?

Dos Bocas 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 Dos Bocas Dam built?

Dos Bocas Dam was completed in 1942, making it 84 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 Dos Bocas Dam?

Dos Bocas 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 Dos Bocas Dam?

Dos Bocas Dam has a dam height of 188 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 Dos Bocas Dam last inspected?

Dos Bocas Dam was last inspected on February 7, 2020. 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.