Guthega Dam, Gravity dam in Snowy Mountains, Australia
Guthega Dam is a concrete structure that spans across the Snowy River in the highlands of New South Wales. The dam holds back water to supply the adjacent power station, which uses the flow to generate electricity through its turbine system.
The dam was completed in 1955 as the first major project finished in the Snowy Mountains Scheme, Australia's hydroelectric development program. This completion marked a turning point in how the country would harness river power for energy production.
Norwegian workers arrived in such large numbers during construction that locals called the settlement Little Norway. This name reflected how deeply the migrant community shaped life in the area during those building years.
The site sits at a high elevation in mountain terrain and is best visited during the drier months of the year. Visitors should bring warm clothes and sturdy footwear, as weather can change quickly and trails can be rough.
The facility operates using two Francis turbines positioned at roughly 1,578 meters above sea level, placing it among Australia's highest hydroelectric installations. This extreme elevation allows engineers to extract power very efficiently from the steep water drop.
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