The spillway, a structure intended to release controlled flows of water from dams

Bored with ponds, lakes, and streams? Think waterfalls are only mildly impressive? Enter the spillway, a structure intended to release controlled flows of water from dams into an area downstream. While they serve a very important purpose, they’re also pretty incredible to look at, often resembling enormous, gaping holes in the middle of lakes and reservoirs.  From Monticello Dam’s famous ‘Glory Hole’ to San Roque Lake in Argentina, get ready to have your world rocked by getting up close and personal to some of the largest, most powerful, and downright impressive spillways around.

Lake Beryessa, Napa County, California
Home to the mother of all spillways, Lake Beryessa also boasts another skin-crawling claim to fame—it was where one of the Zodiac murders took place in 1969. The spillway, known as the Glory Hole, measures 72 feet at its widest and then narrows down to 28 feet, allowing it to swallow 362,000 gallons of water per second. From a distance, the Glory Hole looks like a gaping opening in the middle of the lake, ready to gulp down any and everything that dares get to close. In reality, it’s cordoned off by buoys and protected by a fence to keep the curious (and potentially very stupid) at a distance.
Ladybower Resevoir, Derbyshire, England
Another example of a bellmouth overflow, the spillway at Ladybower Resevoir is a sight to behold when water levels rise during the wet seasons. Typically, the spillway isn’t submerged (meaning that it isn’t as spooky to look at) but when things get wet, it has the ability to handle huge quantities of water at a very fast speed. In action, the spillway takes on a mesmerizing tiered effect, making it an exceptional experience to bear witness to. Back in the day, walkways around the spillway permitted visitors to get up close and personal with the gaping hole. Now, these dangerous features have smartly been removed and instead, spectators are invited to check things out from a safer, slightly more protected, vantage point.
San Roque Lake, Cordoba, Argentina
Despite it’s name, San Roque isn’t actually a lake. Rather, it’s a reservoir that spans a surface area of 16 km² and contains a max volume of 180 million m³ of water. Nestled up against its edge is a large spillway that can be viewed from above, allowing visitors the heart-stopping experience of seeing it suction out water at an alarmingly powerful rate.
Harriman Dam, Windham County, Vermont
Situated in a hydroelectric dam dating back to 1923, this spillway closely resembles its cousin in Napa County in its construction and general appearance. When funneling water, it appears to be comprised of dozens of powerful waterfalls, all emptying into the abyss. Even when water levels are low, it’s worth checking this spot out as it’s home some breathtaking scenery and impressive wildlife.
Benagéber, Valencia, Spain
This spillway wins the award for most picturesque funnel, no doubt about it. Situated in turquoise waters and surrounded by lush trees and impressive cliffs, you’ll be hard pressed to find another that’s as pretty as it is powerful. Typically, the spillway isn’t entirely below the water’s surface, making it look a little less like a vortex. That said, it still appears to be a giant hole to nowhere and it’s absolutely breathtaking when you see it in action.
Kechut Reservoir, Jermuk, Armenia
Unlike the majority of spillways, this particular structure isn’t a circle. Instead, it takes on the shape of a rounded-edged star, releasing water to avoid flooding during times of increased water volume. Despite it’s charming shape, the spillway is still extraordinarily powerful and manages to do away with impressive amounts of water when needed. A catwalk extends to the center of the spillway with a circular platform at its end, allowing visitors to feel as if though they’re suspended directly above the action. We dare you not to feel weak in the knees.