Youssef Ben Tachfine
Named after the Almoravid dynasty founder, irrigating the fertile Chtouka plains.
80 m
Height
298.9
Capacity (Mm³)
48%
Fill Rate
1972
Built In
About This Dam
Inaugurated in 1972, Youssef Ben Tachfine Dam is an 80 m high, 707 m long earthfill dam on the Massa River, named after the founder of the Almoravid dynasty and the city of Marrakech in the 11th century. With a 299 million m³ reservoir covering 3,800 hectares, it irrigates the Chtouka plains, one of Morocco's most productive early-vegetable and citrus growing areas. Downstream, the Massa River flows through the Souss-Massa National Park, an important bird habitat notably for the northern bald ibis.
Historical Fill Rates
Key Specifications
- Location: Souss-Massa · Nearest City: Tiznit
- River: Massa · Basin: Souss-Massa
- Type: Earthfill Dam · Height: 80 m
- Capacity: 298.9 Mm³ · Built In: 1972
- Builder: SEPROB-CFE-SMC
- Coordinates: 29.8450°N, 9.4950°W
Purpose
Irrigation
Provides water for agricultural irrigation
Water Supply
Supplies drinking water to cities
References
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity of Youssef Ben Tachfine Dam?
Youssef Ben Tachfine Dam has a total storage capacity of 298.9 million cubic meters (Mm³) and a height of 80 meters. It ranks among Morocco's strategic reservoirs and plays a key role in regional water security.
Where is Youssef Ben Tachfine Dam located?
Youssef Ben Tachfine Dam is located in the souss-massa river basin in Morocco. It is part of the national network of large dams managed by Morocco's hydraulic authorities.
When was Youssef Ben Tachfine Dam built?
Youssef Ben Tachfine Dam was commissioned in 1972. It forms part of Morocco's ongoing national dam-building program, which has expanded significantly since the 1960s.
What is the current water level at Youssef Ben Tachfine Dam?
As of the latest update, Youssef Ben Tachfine Dam holds 143.5 Mm³ out of a total capacity of 298.9 Mm³, representing a fill rate of 48%. Levels are updated regularly to track seasonal rainfall and water releases.
What is Youssef Ben Tachfine Dam used for?
Youssef Ben Tachfine Dam serves several purposes: supplying drinking water to nearby cities, irrigating agricultural land, regulating floods to protect downstream areas, and supporting regional water management.
Which river feeds Youssef Ben Tachfine Dam?
Youssef Ben Tachfine Dam is built on the Massa River. The dam captures the river's flow to store water for drinking, irrigation, and flood control.
Current Level
ModerateCapacity
143
Mm³
Remaining
155.9
Mm³
Fill Rate
48%
Updated · July 2026
Abdelmoumen
94 m gravity dam supplying Agadir, being transformed into a 350 MW pumped-storage hydroelectric plant.
LowCapacity
198.4
Height
94m
Built In
1981
Aoulouz
Aoulouz Dam is built on the Souss River in the province of Taroudant. It contributes to the recharge of the Souss water table and irrigation of the agricultural plain.
GoodCapacity
89
Height
79m
Built In
1991
Mokhtar Soussi
Mokhtar Soussi Dam is located 100 km east of Taroudant on the Aouzioua River. It protects the Sebt El Guerdane-Oulad Teima agricultural zone and transfers water via a 90 km canal to Aoulouz Dam. An elevation project will increase its capacity to 281 Mm3.
CriticalCapacity
39.8
Height
62m
Built In
2002