Mobile boom

On the right bank of the Rhine, this dam is mobile, which makes it possible to discharge a flood flow of up to 7,200 m³/s. It consists of 6 20m wide passes, each equipped with a segment valve and a discharge valve. It is the Kembs Hydraulic Control Centre (HCC) which remotely controls (more than 100km between the two locations) the flow of the Rhine into the hydroelectric power plant and consequently into the dam. The opening of the dam can also be very sudden. In the event of a flood, the valves open gradually. The level of the Rhine rises downstream and the islands are gradually covered, which represents a potential risk for people who have ventured onto the islands and peninsulas or on boats downstream of the dam.