A movable dam gate hydraulically driven through a fixed strut to maintain regulate a pool of water upstream of a dam, the present gate structure is placed in series as a plurality of units to form a desired length of movable dam. The dam gates of the invention are operated from within a dry gallery which contains a single hydraulic cylinder and associated electric motor-drive hydraulic pump and oil reservoir for each gate. The dry gallery allows ready inspection and maintenance of the hydraulic equipment and prevents silting of the equipment such as occurs in prior art wet recesses within which hydraulic cylinders and associated apparatus have been previously operated. The present gate and gate system can be operated remotely, thereby providing greater safety and convenience to personnel.