Zao Dam

Overview

Zao Dam is a hollow gravity dam on the Mamigasaki River in Yamagata City, standing 66 meters high with a crest 273.8 meters long. The Mamigasaki is a right tributary of the Sukawa within the Mogami River system, a first-class water system, and the dam serves the twin roles of flood control and water supply. Its catchment area is about 21 square kilometers, and at full capacity it stores roughly 7.3 million cubic meters of water. Despite bearing the Zao name, it is distinct from the Bodaira ski area or the Zao mountain shrine; it is a dam for flood control and water use set on the upper Mamigasaki River.

Highlights

• ●A dam body 66 meters high with a 273.8-meter crest
• ●A multipurpose role of flood control and water supply
• ●A reservoir on the upper Mamigasaki River of the Mogami system
• ●A hollow gravity dam started in 1965 and finished in 1969

History

Construction began in 1965 and was completed in 1969. Planned during Japan's era of high economic growth to curb flooding of the Mamigasaki River that runs through the city and to secure a stable water supply, the dam has long supported daily life and disaster prevention in Yamagata City. Known as a hollow gravity dam, it has held back the waters from upstream steadily since its completion.

Map

38.1947, 140.4403 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Drive up the Mamigasaki River from central Yamagata toward Zao
2. 2Take in the views of the dam body and its reservoir
3. 3Enjoy the surrounding mountain nature and seasonal colors
4. 4On the way back, stop by Yamagata city or the Zao hot springs and food

Did you know?

💡 With a height of 66 meters and a crest 273.8 meters long, the dam has a catchment area of about 21 square kilometers and stores roughly 7.3 million cubic meters of water. Built over about four years from the 1965 start to the 1969 completion, it is a linchpin of flood control and water use on the Mamigasaki River.

Nearby spots