Quebrada de Ullum
San Juan
The Quebrada de Ullum Dam is an embankment dam on the San Juan River in the Ullúm Department of San Juan Province, Argentina. Situated 18 kilometers upstream from the provincial capital, it forms a reservoir covering 32 square kilometers with depths reaching up to 40 meters. This reservoir supports a hydroelectric power station with an installed capacity around 41-45 megawatts, supplying renewable energy to the region. The dam plays a crucial role in regulating water flow for irrigating approximately 800 square kilometers of the Tulum Valley, which underpins the local agricultural economy. The arid climate of the area, with annual rainfall below 85 millimeters, makes this water management essential. Beyond its functional importance, the reservoir has become a recreational hub offering water sports, adventure activities like hiking in surrounding mountain ranges, cycling, and lakeside camping. The site is accessible via provincial routes and features several amenities including beaches, nautical clubs, and accommodation options such as a five-star hotel and multiple campgrounds. The dam and reservoir together represent a significant engineering achievement and a key resource for San Juan's economy and tourism.
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Astuce: The best time to visit Quebrada de Ullum Dam is during the warmer months when water sports and outdoor activities are most enjoyable. Visitors are advised to check access routes, primarily via Provincial Route 14, which circles the lake offering scenic views. Booking accommodations in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. While entrance to the dam area is generally open, some recreational facilities may require prior reservation. Discounts may be available for groups or extended stays at camping sites and clubs. Visitors should also plan for limited rainfall and bring adequate sun protection due to the arid climate.
Faits intéressants
- •The reservoir created by the dam covers 32 square kilometers and holds approximately 440 million cubic meters of water.
- •The dam regulates irrigation for about 800 square kilometers of agricultural land in the Tulum Valley, vital for the region's economy.
- •It supports a hydroelectric power station with an installed capacity of around 41-45 megawatts, generating roughly 172 million kilowatt-hours annually.
- •The dam serves as a natural sedimentation basin, improving water quality for the nearby Marquesado water treatment plant.
- •The region surrounding the dam is arid, with an average annual rainfall below 85 millimeters, making water regulation crucial.
Histoire
Construction of the Quebrada de Ullum Dam began in 1969 after extensive feasibility studies, responding to the longstanding regional need for water management on the San Juan River.
The dam was officially inaugurated on December 3, 1980.
Following this, the hydroelectric power plant at the dam's base was completed and began operation in 1988, providing a significant source of clean energy to the province.
Over the decades, the dam has supported irrigation for the Tulum, Ullúm, and Zonda valleys, and contributed to improving potable water quality by acting as a sedimentation basin.
Since 2004, the state company EPSE has managed the hydroelectric plant's operation and energy commercialization under a 30-year concession.
Guide du lieu
Reservoir and Dam Structure1980
The dam is an embankment type located at the head of the Quebrada de Ullum gorge, creating a large reservoir used for hydroelectric power generation and irrigation.
Hydroelectric Power Station1988
Located at the base of the dam, this facility generates renewable energy with an installed capacity of approximately 41-45 MW, supplying electricity primarily to the city of San Juan and surrounding areas.
Recreational Facilities
The reservoir area includes beaches, nautical clubs, water parks, and campgrounds, making it a popular destination for water sports, hiking, cycling, and camping.
