> "The Panama canal is using a large natural lake as the highest level" The highest level is Gatun Lake, which is artificial. > "planners might be a bit too o

> "The Panama canal is using a large natural lake as the highest level" The highest level is Gatun Lake, which is artificial. > "planners might be a bit too optimistic in terms of flow" Certainly, though deforestation leading to reduced water capacity for the area seems to be the larger problem. There are already problems during dry season. The issues you point are already known and important considerations for the Panama Canal and its recent upgrades.