Spanish Lago Gatún
Lake, Panama.
Constituting part of the Panama Canal system, its area is 166 sq mi (430 sq km). It was formed by damming the Chagres River in 1912. Its dam and spillway serve to hold sufficient water in the Gaillard Cut for ships' passage and for use in the canal's locks during dry spells. Guacha Island, a wildlife sanctuary, lies in the centre of the lake.