Guayabal Dam
Key Takeaway
Guayabal Dam is classified as high hazard in Puerto Rico. It was completed in 1913 and is 113 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 | 130 ft (taller than 72.2% in PR) |
| Dam Length | 1,978 ft |
| Dam Type | Buttress |
| Max Storage | 7.6K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 3.3K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 373 acres |
| Drainage Area | 43 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 72,744 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1913 (113 years old) |
| NID ID | PR00013 |
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
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High Hazard 220 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Guayabal Dam?
Guayabal 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 Guayabal Dam?
Guayabal 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 Guayabal Dam built?
Guayabal Dam was completed in 1913, making it 113 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 Guayabal Dam?
Guayabal Dam serves the following purposes: Irrigation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Guayabal Dam?
Guayabal Dam has a dam height of 130 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 Guayabal Dam last inspected?
Guayabal Dam was last inspected on December 21, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.