Los Reyunos Dam

The Los Reyunos Dam is an embankment dam on the Diamante River, in central Mendoza Province, Argentina, some twenty-two miles (thirty-five kilometers) from the city of San Rafael. The dam, built of stone and compacted clay to minimize execution and cost, is 440 feet (130 meters) high and contains a reservoir covering an area of 1,828 acres (7.40 km²).

Los Reyunos Dam
View from atop the dam
Location of Los Reyunos Dam in Argentina
Country	Argentina
Location	San Rafael, Mendoza Province
Coordinates	34°36′8.45″S 68°38′30.06″W
Purpose	Power, water supply
Status	Operational
Opening date	1983 (1983)
Owner(s)	Hirdroeléctrica Diamante (HIDISA)/Hidroeléctrica de los Nihuiles (HINISA)
Dam and spillways
Type of dam	Embankment
Impounds	Diamante River
Height	136 m (446 ft)
Length	295 m (968 ft)
Reservoir
Total capacity	258,570,000 m3 (209,630 acre⋅ft)
Active capacity	137,280,000 m3 (111,290 acre⋅ft)
Surface area	7.34 km2 (2.83 sq mi)
Commission date	1983
Type	Pumped-storage
Turbines	2 x 112 MW reversible Francis-type
Installed capacity	224 MW

The dam is used to generate hydroelectricity. This is done with a pumped-storage power station located below the level of the reservoir. About one mile (two kilometer) downstream is a smaller, compensation dam, which forms the lower reservoir, called El Tigre. During the hours of decreased power demand, water is pumped from the reservoir of El Tigre back into Los Reyunos to stabilize the water level.

The reservoir is employed in raising Salmonidae and silverside, allowing for sport fishing. Los Reyunos Fishing and Nautical Club, along with private summer residences and a hotel, lies on the western shore of the reservoir and serves as a base for activities in the lake (such as windsurf, canoeing) and in the surrounding mountains (such as hiking).

References

• (in Spanish) Los Reyunos at ValleGrande.com.ar.