Potrerillos, Embankment dam and hydroelectric station in Mendoza Province, Argentina.
Potrerillos is a dam and power complex in Mendoza Province situated at about 1377 meters elevation with a 420-meter length. The structure creates a reservoir that extends roughly 12 kilometers through the valley and produces electricity.
Construction began in 1998 under a consortium's leadership and finished in 2003, creating essential infrastructure for the region. The project linked engineering expertise with the province's water management and energy needs.
The dam system supplies the wine region with regulated water flow for irrigating vineyards across the surrounding landscape.
The reservoir is easily reached from the nearby highway and offers views of the Andes geography. Visitors can view the structure from various vantage points, especially when traveling across the main road.
An impressive spillway system with large openings can handle water flows of up to about 1800 cubic meters per second. Over time, sediment has accumulated at the bottom and has reduced the reservoir's storage capacity.
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