Leeu-Gamka Dam

Leeu-Gamka Dam
Interactive map of Leeu-Gamka Dam
Official name	Leeu-Gamka Dam
Location	Western Cape, South Africa
Coordinates	32°36′7″S22°0′9″E / 32.60194°S 22.00250°E / -32.60194; 22.00250
Opening date	1959
Operators	Department of Water Affairs and Forestry
Dam and spillways
Type of dam	earth-fill
Impounds	Leeuw River
Height	15 m
Length	1 200 m
Reservoir
Creates	Leeu-Gamka Dam Reservoir
Total capacity	13 600 000 m³
Surface area	425.8 ha

Leeu-Gamka Dam is an earth-fill type dam located on the Leeuw River, near Beaufort West, Western Cape, South Africa. It was established in 1959 and it serves mainly for irrigation purposes. The hazard potential of the dam has been ranked high (3).

History

The first dam of this name was built in 1928. ^[1] It was an earth-fill dam built by the irrigation board for £60,000 standing 13m high and 460m long. ^[1] In 1928 it was restored after the dam was breached and damaged in a flood. ^[1] Silting eventually reduced the dam's capacity. ^[1] In 1959, the new dam was built 3km upstream from the old dam. ^[1]

See also

• List of reservoirs and dams in South Africa
• List of rivers of South Africa

References

1. Standard Encyclopaedia of South Africa. Vol. 6. Internet Archive. Cape Town: Nasou. 1970. p. 564. ISBN   978-0-625-00320-4.

• List of South African Dams from the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (South Africa)