Yahuecas Dam

RIO BLANCO· Adjuntas, Puerto Rico· Built 1956· Gravity· 90 ft tall

High Hazard Hydroelectric Irrigation Water Supply Public Utility

Key Takeaway

Yahuecas Dam is classified as high hazard in Puerto Rico. It was completed in 1956 and is 70 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	90 ft (taller than 41.7% in PR)
Dam Type	Gravity
Max Storage	2.4K acre-ft
Normal Storage	1.6K acre-ft

Surface Area	55 acres
Drainage Area	17 sq mi
Max Discharge	38,900 cfs
Year Completed	1956 (70 years old)
NID ID	PR00025

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: August 8, 2019

State Regulated: Yes

Regulatory Agency: PREPA

Ownership

PUERTO RICO ELECTRIC POWER AUTHORITY

Public Utility

Nearby Dams

Guayo Dam

Lares, PR

High Hazard 190 ft

Prieto Dam

Lares, PR

High Hazard 98 ft

Garzas Dam

Adjuntas, PR

High Hazard 201 ft

Adjuntas Dam

Adjuntas, PR

High Hazard 80 ft

Pellejas Dam

Adjuntas, PR

High Hazard 50 ft

Lucchetti Dam

Yauco, PR

High Hazard 169 ft

Vivi Dam

Utuado, PR

High Hazard 85 ft

Dos Bocas Dam

Arecibo, PR

High Hazard 188 ft

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Yahuecas Dam?

Yahuecas 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 Yahuecas Dam?

Yahuecas 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 Yahuecas Dam built?

Yahuecas Dam was completed in 1956, making it 70 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 Yahuecas Dam?

Yahuecas Dam serves the following purposes: Hydroelectric, Irrigation, Water Supply. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Yahuecas Dam?

Yahuecas Dam has a dam height of 90 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 Yahuecas Dam last inspected?

Yahuecas Dam was last inspected on August 8, 2019. 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.