Valeira Dam

Valeira Dam
Valeira Dam downstream of the curve that follows the exceptionally tight gorge of the Douro River, known as Cachão da Valeira
Valeira Dam
Location of Valeira Dam in Portugal
Official nameBarragem da Valeira
CountryPortugal
Locationmunicipality São João da Pesqueira, Viseu District
Coordinates41°09′38″N 7°22′30″W / 41.16043°N 7.37512°W / 41.16043; -7.37512
PurposePower
StatusOperational
Construction began1971
Opening date1975
OwnerCompanhia Portuguesa de Produção de Electricidade
OperatorEnergias de Portugal
Dam and spillways
Type of damConcrete gravity dam
ImpoundsDouro
Height (foundation)48 m (157 ft)
Length380 m (1,250 ft)
Elevation at crest113 m (371 ft)
Width (crest)6 m (20 ft)
Dam volume220,000 m3 (7,800,000 cu ft)
Spillway typeDam body
Spillway capacity18,000 m3/s (640,000 cu ft/s)
Reservoir
Total capacity97,000,000 m3 (79,000 acre⋅ft)
Active capacity8,000,000 m3 (6,500 acre⋅ft)
Surface area7.95 km2 (3.07 mi2)
Normal elevation105 m (344 ft)
Power Station
OperatorEnergias de Portugal
Commission date1976
Hydraulic head31.5 m (103 ft) (max)
Turbines3 x 82.4 MW Kaplan-type
Installed capacity240 MW
Annual generation610.7 GWh

Valeira Dam (Portuguese: Barragem da Valeira) is a concrete gravity dam on the Douro, where the river forms the border line between the districts of Viseu and Bragança. It is located in the municipality São João da Pesqueira, in Viseu District, Portugal.

Construction of the dam began in 1971. The dam was completed in 1975. It is owned by Companhia Portuguesa de Produção de Electricidade (CPPE).