Loco Dam
Key Takeaway
Loco Dam is classified as high hazard in Puerto Rico. It was completed in 1951 and is 75 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 | 74 ft (taller than 30.6% in PR) |
| Dam Length | 600 ft |
| Dam Type | Gravity |
| Max Storage | 2.5K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 1.5K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 69 acres |
| Drainage Area | 8 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 24,500 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1951 (75 years old) |
| NID ID | PR00004 |
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 Loco Dam?
Loco 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 Loco Dam?
Loco 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 Loco Dam built?
Loco Dam was completed in 1951, making it 75 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 Loco Dam?
Loco 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 Loco Dam?
Loco Dam has a dam height of 74 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 Loco Dam last inspected?
Loco Dam was last inspected on December 10, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.