Lucchetti Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Lucchetti Dam, also known as Yauco Dam, is a gravity dam located on the Yauco River in Yauco, Puerto Rico.


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Summary

Completed in 1952, the dam serves primarily for irrigation purposes, with a storage capacity of 20,800 acre-feet and a maximum discharge of 62,800 cubic feet per second. The dam stands at a height of 169 feet, with a hydraulic height of 165 feet, making it a significant structure in the region.

Owned by a public utility, Lucchetti Dam is regulated by the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) and undergoes regular inspections to ensure its safety and functionality. Despite its satisfactory condition according to the most recent assessment in September 2020, the dam has a high hazard potential due to its size and location. The risk assessment for the dam is moderate (3), highlighting the importance of effective risk management measures to mitigate any potential threats.

Situated in Congressional District 98, Puerto Rico, Lucchetti Dam is a key feature in the local landscape, providing vital irrigation water for agricultural activities in the area. With its multi-arch design and rock foundation, the dam not only serves a practical purpose but also stands as a testament to engineering ingenuity. As water resource and climate enthusiasts, the significance of Lucchetti Dam lies in its role in sustaining the water needs of the community while also facing the challenges of managing potential risks associated with its operation.

Year Completed

1952

Dam Height

169

River Or Stream

YAUCO RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Gravity

Surface Area

266

Hydraulic Height

165

Drainage Area

17.3

Nid Storage

20800

Structural Height

169

Outlet Gates

None

Hazard Potential

High

Foundations

Rock

Nid Height

169
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

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. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
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. Investigations and studies are necessary.
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.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

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, environment 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.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.