Karun-4 Dam, Concrete arch dam in Ardal County, Iran
Karun-4 Dam is a concrete arch dam built across the Karun River in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Iran. The curved wall is wedged tightly between two steep canyon walls, which hold the structure in place and absorb the pressure from the water behind it.
Construction on the dam began in the late 1990s and it became operational in November 2010. It is one of several dams built along the Karun River as part of a broader effort to expand Iran's power supply over the second half of the 20th century and into the 21st.
The dam sits in territory long inhabited by the Bakhtiari people, a nomadic group who have crossed these mountain valleys for centuries during seasonal migrations. Some of their traditional routes passed through the canyon, and the Bakhtiari culture remains a living presence in the surrounding villages today.
The dam is located in a remote mountain valley, so it is worth planning the visit in advance and bringing supplies for the day. The terrain around the canyon can be steep and uneven, making sturdy footwear a practical choice.
The Karun River carries more water than any other river in Iran, which made the arch design not just a technical preference but a necessity to handle the constant force of the current. Karun-4 is also the tallest arch dam in the country.
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