Mobile dam and the island landscape
On the right bank of the Rhine, the dam is mobile, which means the flow of water evacuated can reach 7,200 m³/s. It is made up of 6 channels 20m wide, each of which is equipped with a radial gate and a spillway gate.
From more than 100 Km distance the Kembs Hydraulic Control Centre (CCH) remotely controls the flow of the Rhine into the hydro-electric power plant and consequently the flow through the dam.
The dam can be opened suddenly
When the waters are high, the gates are gradually opened. The level of the Rhine increases downstream and the islands are covered little by little, which carries a potential risk for people who may have ventured onto the islands and promontories, or small for boats downstream from the dam.
Visitors information:
The island flora responds to the rhythm of the rising waters and is a favourite refuge for birds.
