Loco Dam, located in Yauco, Puerto Rico, is a gravity dam built in 1951 by the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority.
Wind
Humidity
It stands at a height of 74 feet and serves primarily for irrigation purposes, with a storage capacity of 2500 acre-feet. The dam spans 600 feet across the Loco River and has a spillway width of 150 feet.
With a high hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment rating, Loco Dam is closely monitored by the Puerto Rico regulatory agency, PREPA. Despite its age, the dam is in satisfactory condition as of the last assessment in December 2019, with regular inspections occurring every 3 years. In case of emergencies, however, the dam lacks updated emergency action plans and inundation maps.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts will find Loco Dam's design and construction details intriguing, from its multi-arch core type to its rock foundation. Its location in Puerto Rico's picturesque landscape adds to its allure, while its vital role in providing irrigation and water supply to the region underscores its significance in the local ecosystem.
Year Completed |
1951 |
Dam Length |
600 |
Dam Height |
74 |
River Or Stream |
LOCO RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Gravity |
Surface Area |
69 |
Hydraulic Height |
70 |
Drainage Area |
8.4 |
Nid Storage |
2500 |
Structural Height |
74 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
74 |
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Bosque Susúa
|
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Lago Luchetti
|
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La Llorosa
|
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Comeñame
|
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Reina Mora
|
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Reinita Común
|