Guayabal Dam Reservoir Report
Nearby: Toa Vaca Dam Poncenaâ Dam
Last Updated: December 14, 2025
Guayabal Dam, also known as Lago Guayabal, is a significant water resource in Puerto Rico, serving primarily for irrigation purposes.
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Summary
Built in 1913 by the AMBURSEN ENGINEERING CO., this buttress dam stands at a height of 130 feet and has a maximum storage capacity of 7,600 acre-feet. Located in Juana Diaz, Villalba, Puerto Rico, the dam controls the flow of the Jacaguas River and covers a surface area of 373 acres, with a drainage area of 42.95 square miles.
With a high hazard potential and poor condition assessment, Guayabal Dam is in need of attention and maintenance to ensure its safety and functionality. The dam features a controlled spillway with a width of 693 feet and outlet gates consisting of Bascule and Uncontrolled systems. Despite its age, the dam remains state-regulated and undergoes regular inspections by the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Water resource and climate enthusiasts can appreciate the historical significance and engineering marvel of Guayabal Dam, as well as its vital role in sustaining agriculture and water supply in the region. As efforts are made to address its maintenance needs and improve its condition, the dam continues to play a crucial role in managing water resources and mitigating flood risks in Puerto Rico.
Year Completed |
1913 |
Dam Length |
1978 |
Dam Height |
130 |
River Or Stream |
JACAGUAS RIVER |
Primary Dam Type |
Buttress |
Surface Area |
373 |
Hydraulic Height |
117 |
Drainage Area |
42.95 |
Nid Storage |
7600 |
Structural Height |
130 |
Outlet Gates |
Bascule, Uncontrolled |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
130 |
Seasonal Comparison
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Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo 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
HighDams 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.
Guayabal Dam