Sant Maurici dam, Embalse situado en la provincia de Lérida, Cataluña (España)
The Sant Maurici dam is a concrete gravity structure 19 meters high and nearly 98 meters long that enlarges a glacial lake in Pallars Sobirà. The structure uses its weight to hold back water and creates a reservoir capable of storing more than 2 million liters.
The dam was built in 1953 to generate hydroelectric power and improve water management in the region. The project was part of a larger water system developed after World War II to supply electricity to nearby communities.
The Sant Maurici reservoir is a glacial lake set deep in a mountain valley, surrounded by high peaks. Local residents depend on this water for electricity and irrigation, making it a vital part of their daily life.
The dam is accessible from Espot and can be visited during daylight hours, with comfortable shoes and caution around water edges recommended. The area is protected, so staying on marked trails and removing your trash helps preserve the landscape.
The dam was originally staffed by operators living on-site, and their building was later converted into the Ernest Mallafré shelter for visitors. This shelter now serves hikers ascending to the lake as an important rest spot.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
