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Leipzig (dpa) - The district of Leipzig has closed the Störmthaler and Markkleeberger See and the Störmthaler Canal in between after changes to embankments that were assessed as dangerous.
Critical deformations were found, it said in a statement published on Thursday.
The block will apply from now until the end of May.
Experts assume that the reinforced concrete foundation under the lock is “very likely” to be affected.
The lock is the only barrier between the two lakes.
If it fails, there is no way to stop the water.
As a result, "far-reaching floods in the urban areas of Markkleeberg and Leipzig are to be expected".
This could lead to the build-up of strong waves that could endanger users on the lakes.
“Overall, it can be assumed that the loss of the locking function of the lock structure would endanger life and limb for thousands of citizens.
In addition, the material damage potential would have to be estimated at several million euros. "
Störmthaler and Markkleeberger See emerged from open-cast lignite mining and were artificially flooded.
The seven square kilometers large Störmthal lake contains around 158 million cubic meters of water.
The Markkleeberger See, which is about 2.5 square meters smaller, has around 65 million cubic meters.
The approximately 850 meter long Störmthal Canal connects the lakes, the affected canoe park sluice compensates for the difference of four meters in the water level.
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© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210325-99-974133 / 2
Disposal district
Markkleeberger See