Horobetsu Dam, Earth-fill dam in Noboribetsu, Japan.
Horobetsu Dam is an earth-fill dam that rises 22.5 meters (74 feet) above ground level and spans across the landscape in northern Hokkaido. The structure was built to store and manage water flow for the surrounding communities in the region.
The dam was completed in 1968 and marked an important step forward in water management infrastructure for the Noboribetsu region. This project was part of the broader development of Hokkaido's water systems in the post-war period.
The name Noboribetsu comes from the Ainu language, meaning 'dark-colored river', which reflects the indigenous heritage and long relationship with the land in this part of Hokkaido.
The dam is located in an area that is accessible to visitors, who can view the structure from various vantage points around the site. The grounds are best explored in dry conditions, as the paths around the structure vary with the seasons.
The dam sits in an area known for geothermal activity, where hot springs and mineral-rich waters naturally occur in the landscape. These geological features make the location an unusual setting for a major water infrastructure project.
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