Chicoasén Dam

dam, Mexico

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June 24, 2026

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The Chicoasén Dam, also known as Manuel Moreno Torres, is an earthfill and rockfill dam located in Mexico. Completed in 1980, it spans the Grijalva River and stands at a height of 261 meters (856 feet). This dam is recognized for its significant structural volume and its capacity to generate hydroelectric power.1

The dam's construction led to the displacement of local Mayan villages along the Chixoy River, which is part of the larger Usumacinta River system that flows into Campeche Bay. Dams like Chicoasén serve crucial purposes such as storing water for consumption and irrigation, generating electricity, and mitigating flood risks.21

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Chiapas Highlands
Chicoasén, a major hydroelectric project, is situated about 12 miles (19 km) north of Tuxtla on the Grijalva River. An inter-American railway and a paved highway run along the base of the Chiapas Sierra Madres, and the Pan-American Highway extends through the central Chiapas valley…
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Chicoasén, a major hydroelectric project, is situated about 12 miles (19 km) north of Tuxtla on the Grijalva River. An inter-American railway and a paved highway run along the base of the Chiapas Sierra Madres, and the Pan-American Highway extends through the central Chiapas valley…
Read More