We measure in volumes with this list of the 11 biggest dams in the world. Dams have been an integral part of the creation of cities, towns and society as we know it. Dams have helped store water in times of drought. It is also one of the main reasons why we can use water as a means of power in some areas of the world. For others, it’s a way to contain the water so that we can establish good structures while preventing floods and other catastrophes. You might be asking yourself the question: “What are the biggest dams in the world?”
To answer this question, we have to consider mainly the volume of a dam. Not just on it’s pure height but also the thickness and the compounded size of the material of the dam. You might notice that a lot of these dams come from both the United States and Canada. If you’re looking for more lists of civil works, check out the 11 Countries with the Best Roads in the World.
Dams have provided a lot of advancement in different aspects of technology. Because of dams we’ve improved our research and have advanced in power, navigation, irrigation, protection and a few other things. Dams have also received significant upgrades compared to the ancient dams of the Middle East and the Roman times. Let’s check the first one in this list:
11. San Luis Dam
This dam in California is responsible for the San Luis reservoir. The main use of the dam is to allow a source of water to draw hydroelectricity from. You’ll find a hydroelectricity plant and its turbines situated along the reservoir.
10. Oroville Dam
This dam impounds Lake Oroville, the second largest man-made lake in California. The dam also has multiple uses, allowing water supply, flood protection and electricity production for this area of California. It is also the tallest dam in the United States.
9. Mangla Dam
Located in Pakistan, this dam was built with the help of a consortium of 8 contractors from the US. The main reason for the construction of the dam was to reduce water shortage and strengthen the irrigation system of the country.
8. Gardiner Dam
The Gardiner Dam is located in Saskatchewan, Canada. It is one of the largest embankment dams in the world and is situated along the South Saskatchewan River. The main use of the dam is to allow a hydroelectric plant to operate in the area.
7. Oahe Dam
Located in South Dakota, the Oahe Dam is situated along the Missouri River. Like many of the other dams listed here, this dam also has a hydroelectric power plant. It is also used for flood protection, water supply and navigation.
6. Houtribdijk
Houtribdijk is a dike that connects the two cities of Enkhuizen and Lelystad in the Netherlands. Despite this being called a dike, it is also one of the biggest dams in the world. Around 8,500 land vehicles pass through the dike daily. Marine traffic also passes along this dike. Interestingly, you’ll find an emergency harbor, a restaurant, and an AM broadcast station in the middle of the dike.
5. Ataturk Dam
Originally known as the Karababa Dam, the Ataturk Dam is located along the Euphrates River in the Turkey region of Anatolia. The main use of the dam is to provide electricity as well as to support irrigation. It is one of 5 operational dams along the Euphrates River.
4. Fort Peck Dam
This dam is one of the highest dams along the Missouri River. It is also known as the largest hydraulically filled dam in the US. The main use of the dam is to provide flood protection, electricity and also water quality control.
3. Syncrude Tailings Dam Mildred SWSS
Another embankment dam in this list, the Syncrude Tailings Dam was considered the largest structure on the earth during the year 2001. The dam is maintained in conjunction with an oil extraction operation in the same area. There are other Syncrude Dams located nearby.
2. Tarbela Dam
This dam is the largest earth filled dam and the second largest in this list in terms of volume. It is located near Islamabad, Pakistan. It has been operating since the 1970s and provides irrigation supply, flood control and the usual hydroelectric contribution.
1. Syncrude Tailings Dam Mildred MLSB
Also known as the Mildred Lake Settling Basin, it is part of the large oil extraction operation in the area and one of three dams near each other. The dam acts as both storage for sand and water. Among all of the Syncrude Tailings Dam, the MLSB is the dam that acts in a more typical fashion due to it having more water stored for long term.
That is our list of the 11 biggest dams in the world. One cannot doubt the importance of these structures in maintaining and improving lives in different areas of the globe.
