Contemplate for a moment this plaque before us. It commemorates the Amagase Dam. The Amagase Dam stands as a testament to engineering and nature’s harmony. This dam does more than just hold water. It tells a story of flood control innovation and power.
The Amagase Dam Plaque marks a significant structure. It stands on the Uji River near Uji in Kyoto Prefecture. The dam’s primary goal is flood control. However it also supports a hydroelectric power station. It creates a lower reservoir for the Kisenyama Pumped Storage Plant.
Construction of the Amagase Dam began in 1955. It concluded in 1964. The pumped-storage power station started operations in 1970. Both are owned by Kansai Electric Power Company.
Look closely at the Amagase Dam Plaque. It represents a variable-radius arch dam design. It stretches 254 meters long and stands 73 meters high. Its structural volume is impressive at 162000 cubic meters.
The Amagase Dam withholds Lake Hōō. Locals call it Lake Phoenix. This reservoir can hold 26280000 cubic meters of water. About 20000000 cubic meters is useful storage. The lake covers an area of 1.9 square kilometers.
Note the spillway details. It has four floodgates on its crest. These gates measure 4.36 meters by 10 meters. They can discharge 680 cubic meters of water per second. The dam also has three gate-controlled orifice openings. These discharge 1110 cubic meters per second. The dam’s power station has a 92 MW capacity. It discharges 186 cubic meters per second.
The Amagase Dam Plaque is also linked to the Kisenyama Plant. Lake Hōō serves as its lower reservoir. Water gets pumped to an upper reservoir. This upper reservoir is held by a rock-fill dam. The dam is 91 meters high and 255 meters long. It has a crest width of 11 meters. Its structural volume is 2338000 cubic meters. It holds 7227000 cubic meters.
From the upper reservoir water is released back down. It powers two 233 MW reversible Francis turbines. This process can be repeated as needed. It generates power during peak usage. The power station has an effective hydraulic head of 219.35 meters. Its discharge capacity is 248 cubic meters per second. The pumped-storage power station has a maximum output of 466 MW.
From the top of the Amagase Dam, one can see the Phoenix Lake. Its surface mirrors the changing colors of the seasons. The lake’s name reflects hope. Locals hope people will create a paradise on earth.
As we conclude here at the Amagase Dam Plaque remember its significance. The plaque reminds us of the Amagase Dam’s flood control water supply and power generation.