Soil erosion is a global challenge with significant environmental, social, and economic impacts. This study, conducted in the Chichaoua watershed, aims to quantify soil loss, investigate its causes, and evaluate its effects on the construction of the new Boulaouane dam.Two models were used to quantify potential soil losses: the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and the Potential Erosion Model (PEM). The results indicate an average annual loss of 10.03 t/ha/yr according to RUSLE, while the EPM provides a higher estimate of 27.53 t/ha/yr. These values, exceeding the tolerance threshold, indicate that the watershed substantially contributes to the downstream sediment load, which could impact the hydrological performance and lifespan of the Boulaouane dam.Furthermore, the spatial distribution of soil losses within the Chichaoua watershed is not homogeneous, a heterogeneity that can be explained by the physical characteristics of the study area. This observation highlights the critical need for implementing erosion control measures, especially in upstream areas.This study reveals the intense erosion impacting the Chichaoua watershed, which presents substantial challenges for the sustainable management of the region's soil and water resources. It underscores the pressing necessity of implementing targeted erosion control strategies, particularly around key infrastructures like the Boulaouane dam.