0969-Amahata Dam

Location: Amehata, Hayakawa-cho, Minamikoma-gun, Yamanashi

View of the embankment from the left bank

The Amehata Dam isNippon Light Metal Company, Ltd.The dam is owned by a company that manufactures aluminum called This is probably the first time on this site that we have seen a dam owned by a private company. Nippon Light Metal's group companies include the well-known truck body (laugh)Japan Full Halfis also under the umbrella of the company.

Unfortunately, there were almost no spots to take pictures, so we could only view the dam from afar....

Also, I was told in advance that I could approach the dam from downstream by passing through a private house's field, but I couldn't locate the house, got lost for a long time, and couldn't even get there as the sun went down in the evening... orz

View of the embankment on the lake side from the right bank

Here are some photos from our visit on 11/24/2006. We were also able to go directly under the dike, which we will do later....

View of the dam lake from the right bank

The scenery is almost the same as the last time I was here. We can see what appears to be dredging work being done at the dam lake.

erosion-control dam

Perhaps because of its proximity to the Fossa Magna, perhaps because of its fragile bedrock, or perhaps because of its steep mountains, large-scale erosion control dams can be seen here and there.

View upstream of the dam lake

We are a bit upstream from the levee, but it appears that sedimentation is progressing.

Amahata Dam monitoring station

Like the Kakimoto Dam, this place was also called a "monitoring station" instead of a "control station. Mr. Miyajima and Mr. Abebe monitoring the monitoring station.

water diversion sign

And I follow their lead and monitor.

Inside the Amahata Dam monitoring station

Since it is not allowed to enter from here, I took this photo through a gap in the gate.

View of the levee from downstream

I did not know how to get to the bottom of the embankment, so I had to learn from a private homeowner who had accidentally entered the area by mistake. I can only say that it was amazing. The way to get there was like a path through a thicket of trees.

Still, I am very pleased with this sight. Since the river downstream is quiet and there are no waves, the embankment is reflected in the water like a water mirror. The contrast is truly wonderful. It is a long way to get there, but it is well worth the effort.

Temporary drainage tunnel?

There was a mysterious tunnel on the right bank side. It is thought to be a temporary drainage tunnel.

View of the levee from downstream (flood discharge on the right)

If you look directly at the embankment, you cannot see the crest gate because the bedrock in front of it is in the way, but if you move to the right bank, you can manage to see the gate. It is a ski jump type gate, but it is quite rugged in design.

Close-up of flood discharge

There are two roller gates. I would like to see how it would flow if it were discharged at this point.

dam characteristics

Other facilities/observations

What an undigested dam. Hmmm, I wish it could be made public...

Accommodations that may be close to Amahata Dam