Dahme Flood Relief Canal

The Dahme- Umflutkanal is a channel that connects the Spree from Leibsch over the Köthener lake to Maerkisch beech wood with the Dahme.

Development and function

The construction of the Dahme- Umflutkanals goes back to a decision of the Prussian Ministry of Public Works from 1904. This was based on the Law for the Prevention of floods of August 4, 1904, which was adopted because in the years before major damage caused by numerous flood the river Spree. The construction of the Dahme- Umflutkanals including the canal bridge and weir systems with needle and board weir was carried out in the years 1907 to 1911.

The Dahme- Umflutkanal has the function of protecting the Spreewald against flooding and to allow the navigability of the river Dahme. The Dahme- Umflutkanal is country waterway of class C. However, because of the two dams with defense in Mark- Buchholz the channel is not navigable. The boat can tow up to 350 kg can be used by small boats. The lowest bridge headroom is 2 m.

The Dahme- Umflutkanal is part of the main water trail 2 in Brandenburg.

Course

• 009.5 km - the beginning of the channel at Leibsch (Spree) on the double lock
• 006.4 km - flows into the lake Köthener
• 005.0 km - outflow from Lake Köthener
• 001.0 km - Armed with manually operated slipway before Buchholz
• 000.2 km - Armed with electrically operated slipway for boats up to 350 kg
• 000,0 km - confluence with the Dahme Mark- Buchholz at kilometer 40.8