Gatun Dam - Gatun Lake, Panama
Posted by: 
PeterNoG
N 09° 15.759 W 079° 55.792
17P E 617543 N 1024066
This dam was constructed on the Charges River between 1907 and 1913 in order to create Lake Gatun which is an essential part of the Panama Canal.
Waymark Code: WMM8XH
Location: Panama
Date Posted: 08/12/2014
Views: 6
The dam was 2,100 feet thick at the base, 7,500 feet long along the top, almost 400 feet thick at the water level, and almost 100 feet thick at the top, which is 30 feet above the normal lake level which is 85 feet above sea level.
At the time of completion, the dam was the largest earth dam in the world, and Lake Gatun was the largest artificial lake in the world.
A 738 foot-long semi-circular concrete spillway and hydro electric generating station are in the center of the earthen dam.
Note: Coordinates were taken from Google Maps; photos were taken from cruise ship on Gatun Lake about 600 meters away.
Waterway where the dam is located: Charges River
Main use of the Water Dam: Improve Navigation
Material used in the structure: embankment
Height of Dam: 105
Date built: 01/01/1913
Fishing Allowed: yes
Motor Sports Allowed: yes
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Visit Instructions:
Photo of the Dam and a description of your visit.