Portugues Dam
Key Takeaway
Portugues Dam is classified as high hazard in Puerto Rico. It was completed in 2015 and is 11 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. 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 | 220 ft (taller than 91.7% in PR) |
| Dam Length | 1,230 ft |
| Dam Type | Concrete |
| Max Storage | 46.0K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 2.8K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 71 acres |
| Drainage Area | 11 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 46,000 cfs |
| Year Completed | 2015 (11 years old) |
| NID ID | PR00079 |
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
NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEPT.
State Government
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High Hazard 215 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Portugues Dam?
Portugues 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 Portugues Dam?
Portugues Dam is owned by NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEPT. (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Portugues Dam built?
Portugues Dam was completed in 2015, making it 11 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 Portugues Dam?
Portugues Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction, Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Portugues Dam?
Portugues Dam has a dam height of 220 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 Portugues Dam last inspected?
Portugues Dam was last inspected on June 15, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.