Chicoasen Dam (H= 261 m) in Mexico was constructed in extremely harsh environments, including complex topography and geology. Its design in early 1970’s and construction between 1974 and 1980 were achieved satisfactorily and it has been reference for the design and construction of many large dams worldwide. The project first successfully adopted highly plastic clay at the contact zone between corewall and abutment, which gave a good instruction for the following similar projects in the world. Another specific feature associated with this project is that the flood releasing is completely accomplished by the three tunnels with no spillways. The performance of the dam has been adequate up to date.

The project is owned by Comisión Federal de Electricidad.