The Yele Dam is an embankment dam

Embankment dam

An embankment dam is a massive artificial water barrier. It is typically created by the emplacement and compaction of a complex semi-plastic mound of various compositions of soil, sand, clay and/or rock. It has a semi-permanent waterproof natural covering for its surface, and a dense, waterproof...

 on the Nanya River

Nanya River

The Nanya River is the primary right tributary of the middle Dadu River in Sichuan Province, China. It borders Mianning County and Shimian County and is interrupted by the Yele Dam....

 along the border of Mianning County

Mianning County

Mianning County is a county of Sichuan Province, China. It is under the administration of the Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture....

 and Shimian County

Shimian County

Shimian County is a county of Sichuan Province, China. It is under the administration of Ya'an city....

, Sichuan Province, China

China

Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...

. It is 124.5 metres (408 ft) high and 411 metres (1,348 ft) long. Because the dam lies within a Level VIII

Mercalli intensity scale

The Mercalli intensity scale is a seismic scale used for measuring the intensity of an earthquake. It measures the effects of an earthquake, and is distinct from the moment magnitude M_w usually reported for an earthquake , which is a measure of the energy released...

 earthquake intensity zone, its core is composed of asphalt concrete

Asphalt concrete

Asphalt concrete is a composite material commonly used in construction projects such as road surfaces, airports and parking lots. It consists of asphalt and mineral aggregate mixed together, then laid down in layers and compacted...

. Construction on the dam began in 2000, the reservoir began impounding on January 1, 2005 and the entire project was complete in August 2006. The purpose of the dam is to produce hydroelectricity

Hydroelectricity

Hydroelectricity is the term referring to electricity generated by hydropower; the production of electrical power through the use of the gravitational force of falling or flowing water. It is the most widely used form of renewable energy...

 and it supports a 240 MW power station. Water from the dam's reservoir is diverted into a 7.2 kilometres (4 mi) long headrace tunnel before reaching the power station.