NAZAS RIVER

Spanish Ro Nazas, river in Durango and Coahuila states, northern Mexico. Formed in Durango by the confluence of the Oro (or Sestn) and Ramos rivers, which descend inland from the Sierra Madre Occidental and meet at El Palmito, the Nazas flows first southeast and then east-northeast to the Laguna district, where during the rainy season it would reach Mayrn Lagoon. Its total length was approximately 180 miles (290 km). As part of the land-redistribution program of the Laguna district, the Lzaro Crdenas Dam was built across the Nazas at Palmito, Durango, impounding the river. Several large cities, including Lerdo, Gmez Palacio, and Torren, lie on the river's banks.