The Canyon Dam is a large arch-gravity dam built across the Maskeliya Oya, 4.5 km (2.8 mi) upstream of the iconic Laxapana Falls, in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. The associated power station plays a major role in the national power grid, due to its significant output.[1] The dam is surrounded by steel structures of the substation.

Canyon Dam
Canyon Reservoir in March 2018
Location of Canyon Dam in Sri Lanka
Country	Sri Lanka
Location	Laxapana Falls, Central Province
Coordinates	06°52′18″N 80°31′34″E
Purpose	Power
Status	Operational
Opening date	February 1974
Owner(s)	Ceylon Electricity Board
Dam and spillways
Type of dam	Arch-gravity dam
Impounds	Maskeliya Oya
Reservoir
Creates	Canyon Reservoir
Maximum length	450 m (1,480 ft)
Maximum width	350 m (1,150 ft)
New Laxapana Power Station
Coordinates	06°55′05″N 80°29′31″E
Type	Conventional
Turbines	2 × 50 MW
Installed capacity	100 MW

Reservoir and power station

The dam creates the relatively small Canyon Reservoir, measuring at 450 m (1,480 ft) and 350 m (1,150 ft) in its longest length and width, respectively. The reservoir's primary source of water is the Maskeliya Oya, with additional water discharged from the Canyon HPower Station, located at the same site.[1]

Water from the Canyon Reservoir is further transferred through a penstock to the New Laxapana Power Station, located 7 km (4.3 mi) downstream, at 06°55′05″N 80°29′31″E, 1.5 km (0.9 mi) northwest of Kiriwan Eliya. The power station consists of two hydroelectric generators of 50 MW each, both of which were commissioned in February 1974.[1][2]

See also

• List of dams and reservoirs in Sri Lanka
• List of power stations in Sri Lanka

References