The Gatun Dam is a significant structure located in Panama, built to create the Gatun Lake, which is essential for the operation of the Panama Canal. Completed in 1913, the dam helps regulate water levels, allowing ships to transit through the canal efficiently. It plays a crucial role in controlling the flow of the Chagres River. The dam is an earth-fill structure, meaning it is made from compacted earth and rock. It stands about 87 feet high and stretches approximately 3,400 feet long. The Gatun Lake formed by the dam is one of the largest artificial lakes in the world, providing vital water resources for the canal and surrounding areas.