Adjuntas Dam

Adjuntas Dam is a gravity dam located in Adjuntas County, Puerto Rico, built in 1950. It carries a High hazard potential classification and has a satisfactory condition assessment.

About Adjuntas Dam

The primary purpose of Adjuntas Dam is hydroelectric. The dam generates hydroelectric power by channeling water through turbines, converting the energy of flowing water into electricity. The dam is owned by Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (public utility). It impounds the Grande De Arecibo River near Utuado.

The dam stands 80 feet tall, creates a reservoir covering 15 acres, has a maximum storage capacity of 760 acre-feet, and collects water from a drainage area of 14 square miles. Completed in 1950, the structure is well-established, with more than 75 years of service.

This dam carries a high hazard potential classification, which means that a failure or uncontrolled release of water would likely cause loss of human life. This classification reflects the consequences of failure, not the likelihood — it indicates that people live or work in the area downstream. Its condition is rated satisfactory, indicating no existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. An emergency action plan is in place for this dam. The most recent inspection on record was 08/08/2019.

At 80 feet, this dam is taller than 97% of all dams in the United States.

Living Downstream

If you live or work downstream of this dam, consider taking these steps: learn your local evacuation routes, check whether your county emergency management office has a dam failure inundation map, and sign up for local emergency alerts. The Puerto Rico dam safety program can provide more specific information about emergency planning for this structure.

Search for dams near your address to see all dams in your area with hazard classifications and safety data.

High HazardSatisfactory ConditionEmergency Action Plan: Yes

Location

StatePuerto Rico
CountyAdjuntas
Nearest CityUtuado
River/StreamGrande De Arecibo River
Coordinates18.19963, -66.73220

Physical Characteristics

Dam TypeGravity
NID Height80 ft
Dam Height80 ft
Year Completed1950 (76 years old)

Storage & Hydraulics

NID Storage760 acre-ft
Max Storage760 acre-ft
Normal Storage384 acre-ft
Surface Area15 acres
Drainage Area14 sq mi
Max Discharge37,500 cfs
Spillway TypeUncontrolled

Ownership & Safety

PurposeHydroelectric
OwnerPUERTO RICO ELECTRIC POWER AUTHORITY
Owner TypePublic Utility
Hazard ClassificationHigh
Condition AssessmentSatisfactory
Last Inspection08/08/2019
Emergency Action PlanYes

Identifiers

NID IDPR00007
Federal IDPR00007
More InfoState Dam Safety Program

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