The Las Curias Dam, also known as the Rio Piedras Dam, is a vital water resource infrastructure located in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Wind
Humidity
Built in 1946, this earth dam stands at a height of 75 feet and serves primarily for recreational purposes, offering a surface area of 48 acres for visitors to enjoy. The dam has a high hazard potential due to its proximity to the Las Curias Creek and a maximum discharge capacity of 6,400 cubic feet per second.
Managed by the Public Utility agency PREPA, the Las Curias Dam is regulated and inspected by the state of Puerto Rico to ensure its structural integrity and safety. With a normal storage capacity of 1,120 acre-feet and a drainage area of 1.1 square miles, the dam plays a crucial role in water management and flood control in the region. Despite its satisfactory condition assessment as of December 2020, ongoing risk assessments and emergency preparedness measures are essential to mitigate potential hazards and safeguard the surrounding community.
Overall, the Las Curias Dam stands as a key landmark in Puerto Rico, providing both recreational opportunities and essential water resource management functions. As climate change continues to impact water resources and infrastructure, maintaining the integrity and resilience of dams like Las Curias is essential for sustainable water management and climate adaptation efforts in the region.
Year Completed |
1946 |
Dam Height |
75 |
River Or Stream |
LAS CURIAS CREEK |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
48 |
Hydraulic Height |
69 |
Drainage Area |
1.1 |
Nid Storage |
1425 |
Structural Height |
75 |
Outlet Gates |
None |
Hazard Potential |
High |
Foundations |
Rock |
Nid Height |
75 |