Верхнецнинская плотина, Federal heritage dam in Vyshny Volochyok, Russia.
The Verkhnetsninskaya Dam is a barrier across the Tsna River featuring granite masonry and wooden gates controlled by a mobile winch system. The structure connects the city reservoir to Lake Msta while regulating water levels between the two bodies of water.
The dam was built in 1722 by order of Peter the Great with initial wooden structures. These were later faced with stone in 1786 under Catherine II, making the structure more durable and resistant.
This structure forms part of the Vyshny Volochyok Waterway system and demonstrates early Russian hydraulic engineering from the 18th century. You can observe how engineers of that era managed rivers and made water usable for transportation.
Visitors can access the best viewing points from the street side or the walkway along the dam structure. The area can become wet during high water periods, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
During spring migration many fish species gather at the dam site. The deep pools formed below the walls create habitats that become important for various species during their seasonal movements.
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