Oued El Makhazine Dam: Capacity, Filling Rate and Strategic Importance in Morocco
The Oued El Makhazine Dam represents a major hydraulic infrastructure in Morocco, playing a crucial role in drinking water supply, agricultural irrigation, and energy production. This article details its technical characteristics, current filling rate, precise location, and interconnection with other dams.
The Oued El Makhazine Dam, a strategic infrastructure for the Loukkos region
Key Point: The Oued El Makhazine Dam, with a capacity of 700 million m³, currently has a filling rate of 68%, significantly contributing to water security in Northwestern Morocco.
Technical Characteristics and Dam Capacity
The Oued El Makhazine Dam, located on the river of the same name in Larache province, is an embankment dam with a clay core. Its construction, completed in 1979, addressed multiple objectives: flood regulation, irrigation of surrounding plains, and drinking water supply to regional cities.
Technical Specifications of Oued El Makhazine Dam
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total capacity | 700 million m³ |
| Height above foundation | 67 meters |
| Crest length | 620 meters |
| Dam type | Embankment with clay core |
| Reservoir surface area | 45 km² |
| Commissioning date | 1979 |
The storage capacity of 700 million m³ places the Oued El Makhazine Dam among Morocco’s most important dams. This strategic reserve irrigates over 40,000 hectares of agricultural land in the Loukkos plain, one of the country’s most fertile regions. The structure also contributes to drinking water supply for the cities of Larache, Ksar El Kebir, and surrounding towns.
Current Filling Rate and Seasonal Evolution
The Oued El Makhazine Dam filling rate is closely monitored by hydraulic authorities and represents a key indicator of regional water security. As of February 6, 2026, this rate stands at 68%, representing approximately 476 million m³ of stored water.
This level represents a notable improvement compared to the same period last year when the filling rate was only 52%. This increase is mainly explained by abundant rainfall recorded during autumn and winter 2025-2026 in the Oued Makhazine watershed.
The filling rate evolution follows a marked seasonal cycle:
- Maximum in April-May after the rainy season
- Gradual decline during summer to meet irrigation needs
- Stabilization period in autumn before rainfall returns
Historical hydrological data shows that the dam has reached maximum capacity several times, particularly in 1996, 2009, and 2016, requiring activation of spillways to prevent any rupture risk.
Location and Access: Oued El Makhazine Dam on Maps
The Oued El Makhazine Dam is located approximately 25 km southeast of Larache, in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region. Its precise geographical position is 35°02′ North, 5°55′ West.
To view the Oued El Makhazine Dam location on maps, use these GPS coordinates: 35.0333, -5.9167. On Google Maps, simply search for “Oued El Makhazine Dam” to obtain its exact location, access routes, and detailed satellite views.
How to Access the Dam?
From Larache, take road P4106 towards Ksar El Kebir. After approximately 15 km, a marked junction leads to the dam. The road is paved to the site, but some secondary sections may be unpaved. Access to the infrastructure core is regulated and requires prior authorization from competent authorities.
Interconnection of Oued El Makhazine and Dar Khrofa Dams
A major strategic project concerns the interconnection of Oued El Makhazine and Dar Khrofa dams. This hydraulic link, currently in advanced study phase, aims to optimize water resource management between the two basins.
The Dar Khrofa Dam, located further east, presents characteristics complementary to those of Oued El Makhazine Dam. The interconnection would allow:
- Transfer of water surpluses from one dam to another according to needs
- Securing supply during drought periods
- Optimizing hydroelectric production
- Better flood regulation across the entire system
This large-scale project aligns with Morocco’s national integrated water resource management strategy and will require significant investments, estimated at several hundred million dirhams. To follow this project’s evolution, visit our Economy section.
Weather Impact on Oued El Makhazine Dam
The weather around Oued El Makhazine Dam directly influences its filling rate and operational management. The watershed benefits from a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, humid winters and hot, dry summers.
Average annual precipitation in the region approaches 700 mm, with significant interannual variations. The rainiest months are generally November, December, and January, while the period from June to September is virtually rain-free.
Short- and medium-term weather forecasts are therefore crucial for dam management. They allow anticipation of water inputs, planning of irrigation releases, and preventive measures in case of exceptional rainfall. For updated information, consult our weather forecasts.
Photos and Documentation
Visual and technical documentation of Oued El Makhazine Dam is essential to understand its importance and functioning. Available photos of Oued El Makhazine Dam show different aspects of the infrastructure:
- Aerial views highlighting reservoir extent
- Technical images of water intake and spillway structures
- Photographs of surrounding landscape and irrigated areas
- Historical documents about its construction
For researchers and professionals, detailed technical documents are available as PDF files about Oued El Makhazine Dam. These documents include environmental impact studies, structural safety reports, and hydrological analyses of the watershed. These resources are generally available from the Loukkos Hydraulic Basin Agency and the Ministry of Water.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Oued El Makhazine Dam
As of February 6, 2026, the filling rate of Oued El Makhazine Dam is 68%, corresponding to approximately 476 million m³ of stored water out of a total capacity of 700 million m³.
The dam is located 25 km southeast of Larache, in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region. GPS coordinates: 35.0333 North, -5.9167 West. It is easily located on Google Maps by searching “Oued El Makhazine Dam”.
The total capacity of Oued El Makhazine Dam is 700 million cubic meters, making it one of the largest dams in Northwestern Morocco.
The interconnection will allow optimized water resource management between the two basins, transfer of surpluses, better supply security, and optimization of hydroelectric production.
Technical documents are available from the Loukkos Hydraulic Basin Agency and the Ministry of Water. Some public reports may also be consulted in specialized hydraulic libraries.
Weather patterns directly influence water inflows. Heavy rainfall increases reservoir levels, while drought conditions require careful water release management for irrigation and drinking water supply.
Strategic Importance and Future Prospects
The Oued El Makhazine Dam holds strategic importance at multiple levels. Agriculturally, it guarantees irrigation of thousands of hectares in the Loukkos plain, contributing to national food security. Socio-economically, it participates in rural development by creating direct and indirect employment.
In the context of climate change, the regulatory role of dams like Oued El Makhazine becomes even more crucial. Climate projections for the Mediterranean region indicate increased precipitation variability, with more intense drought episodes and more concentrated rainfall. The dam therefore represents an essential adaptation tool.
Future prospects include storage capacity reinforcement, irrigation network efficiency improvement, and hydroelectric production development. These projects align with Morocco’s strategic vision for sustainable water resource management.
To learn more about political decisions concerning hydraulic infrastructure, visit our Politics section.
Conclusion: The Oued El Makhazine Dam remains vital infrastructure for Northwestern Morocco’s development. Its rational management, coupled with interconnection projects like that with Dar Khrofa, will help address future water challenges in a context of climate change and population growth.
