Prieto Dam dam
Prieto Dam
The Prieto Dam, located in Maricao, Puerto Rico, is a vital hydroelectric structure constructed in 1955 by the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority. This gravity dam on the Prieto River stands at a height of 98 feet and serves multiple purposes including hydroelectric power generation and irrigation for the region. With a storage capacity of 880 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 32,000 cubic feet per second, the dam plays a crucial role in managing water resources in Lares County.
Managed by PREPA, the Prieto Dam is regulated and inspected regularly to ensure its structural integrity and operational efficiency. Despite being classified as having a high hazard potential, the dam's condition assessment remains satisfactory as of the last inspection in December 2021. With a moderate risk assessment rating, the dam is equipped with an uncontrolled spillway and has no associated locks. The surrounding area benefits from the Prieto Dam's water storage capabilities and hydroelectric power generation, contributing to the sustainable development of the region.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will appreciate the engineering feat of the Prieto Dam, as it stands as a testament to Puerto Rico's commitment to harnessing renewable energy sources and managing water resources effectively. The dam's strategic location on the Prieto River not only provides irrigation water for agricultural activities but also generates clean hydroelectric power for the surrounding communities. With a focus on safety and risk management measures, the Prieto Dam continues to play a significant role in shaping the water infrastructure of Lares County and contributing to the region's sustainable development efforts.
Dam data reference
Condition Assessment
- Satisfactory
- No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
- Fair
- No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action.
- Poor
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency.
- Unsatisfactory
- A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
- Not Rated
- The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Hazard Potential Classification
- High
- Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
- Significant
- Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
- Low
- Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
- Undetermined
- Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Plan around the weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column on the meteogram -- rain on the basin upstream typically lifts inflow 24-72 hours later.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind. Each cell is colour-coded relative to the column min/max.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Nearby streamflow gauges
USGS streamgauges around Prieto Dam -- inflows here typically show up in storage 24-72 hours later.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Rio Guajataca At Lares | 3 cfs | → |
| Rio Tanama Nr Utuado | 31 cfs | → |
| Rio Yauco Abv Diversion Monserrate Nr Yauco | 5 cfs | → |
| Canal De Riego De Lajas Blw Lago Loco Dam Yauco Pr | 29 cfs | → |
| Rio Grande De Arecibo Abv Utuado | 52 cfs | → |
| Rio Guayanilla Near Guayanilla | 16 cfs | → |
Make a day of it
Boat launches, lakeside camping, fishing access, and other reservoirs near Prieto Dam.
Campgrounds
More reservoirs
Track Prieto Dam in the Snoflo app
Save this dam as a favorite and get the local NOAA / yr.no forecast plus regional flow context wherever you are.
About Prieto Dam
Where does the data for Prieto Dam come from?
Structural and regulatory data come from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' National Inventory of Dams (NID). Weather forecast comes from NOAA / yr.no -- the same feed Snoflo's iOS app uses.
How often is the report updated?
NID structural data refreshes annually as the Corps publishes updated assessments. The weather forecast refreshes throughout the day.
What does the High hazard rating mean?
The Corps of Engineers' hazard potential classification grades probable consequences if the dam fails: High = probable loss of human life; Significant = no probable loss of human life but possible economic loss / environmental damage; Low = no probable loss of human life, only minor economic / environmental losses. See the Dam Data Reference card above for the full definitions.
What's "% of normal"?
The current storage value compared to the historical average storage on this calendar day. 100% = right on average; values above 100% mean above-normal storage (wet year); values below mean below-normal (dry year or drought).
Can I get alerts when storage crosses a threshold?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this dam, set a threshold, and you'll get a push the moment conditions cross.
Other water bodies near here
Snoflo-tracked reservoirs and dams within driving distance of Prieto Dam.