Pellejas Dam

PELLEJAS RIVER· Adjuntas, Puerto Rico· Built 1950· Gravity· 50 ft tall

High Hazard Hydroelectric Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Pellejas 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	50 ft (taller than 13.9% in PR)
Dam Type	Gravity
Max Storage	280 acre-ft
Normal Storage	108 acre-ft

Surface Area	5 acres
Drainage Area	9 sq mi
Max Discharge	22,700 cfs
Year Completed	1950 (76 years old)
NID ID	PR00008

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: January 10, 2020

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: PREPA

Ownership

PUERTO RICO ELECTRIC POWER AUTHORITY

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Adjuntas Dam

Adjuntas, PR

High Hazard 80 ft

Vivi Dam

Utuado, PR

High Hazard 85 ft

Garzas Dam

Adjuntas, PR

High Hazard 201 ft

Caonillas Dam

Jayuya, PR

High Hazard 235 ft

Yahuecas Dam

Adjuntas, PR

High Hazard 90 ft

Guayo Dam

Lares, PR

High Hazard 190 ft

Dos Bocas Dam

Arecibo, PR

High Hazard 188 ft

Cerrillos Dam

Ponce, PR

High Hazard 323 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Pellejas Dam?

Pellejas 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 Pellejas Dam?

Pellejas 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 Pellejas Dam built?

Pellejas 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 Pellejas Dam?

Pellejas 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 Pellejas Dam?

Pellejas Dam has a dam height of 50 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 Pellejas Dam last inspected?

Pellejas Dam was last inspected on January 10, 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.