Barrier Prevents Entry to the Swiss Dam
The Grande Dixence Dam, located in the picturesque Val d'Hérémence valley of Wallis, Switzerland, has recently faced a significant challenge. On July 12, 2025, a massive rockslide occurred near the dam, involving approximately 5,000 cubic meters of rock[1]. As a precautionary measure, all access to the dam was closed, and the nearby village of Blatten was evacuated due to the recognised danger[2].
The rockslide occurred in the upper part of the valley, and further small rockfalls were reported on Wednesday[3]. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of the dam, but the operator, Grande Dixence SA, has reassured the public that there is no danger to the dam[4]. The dam, which is 75 years old and the world's highest gravity dam, standing at 285 meters, remains safe and secure[5].
The dam, known as one of the largest artificial lakes in Switzerland, holds a water volume of 400 million cubic meters[6]. It is a popular tourist attraction, offering guided tours inside the dam. However, the recent rockslide incident has temporarily halted these activities.
The authorities were surprised by the force of the debris and ice avalanche from the Kleine Nesthorn and the Birch glacier in Blatten, which occurred at the end of May[10]. The responsible municipality of Hérémence made the decision for a hotel located below the Grande Dixence dam to temporarily cease operations[8].
In response to the rockslide, the dam's operators have implemented access restrictions and likely geological assessments and monitoring to prevent further disasters[1]. Standard safety practices at such critical infrastructure typically include regular geological and structural monitoring, reinforcement and stabilization of vulnerable rock faces, emergency response planning, and advanced surveillance systems for early rockfall detection[9].
Despite the lack of detailed historical data on previous rockslides at this dam, it is clear that managing such risks is crucial for ongoing safety in the steep Alpine terrain. For the latest and detailed safety protocols or historical incidents before 2025, direct sources from the dam's management or Swiss engineering authorities would be necessary.
| Aspect | Details | |----------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Recent rockslide | Massive rockfall on July 12, 2025; full access closure after incident[1] | | Safety measures after incident | Closure of access, likely geological assessments and monitoring[1] | | Historical rockslide data | Not detailed in current results | | Typical dam safety practices| Geological monitoring, rockface stabilization, emergency planning |
If you need more specifics on the dam's engineering safety or historical rockslide incidents, consulting official reports from the Grande Dixence dam operators or Swiss geotechnical agencies is recommended.
[1] SwissInfo (2025). Rockslide at Grande Dixence Dam in Switzerland. Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/rockslide-at-grande-dixence-dam-in-switzerland/46545764 [2] SwissInfo (2025). Evacuation of village near Grande Dixence Dam in Switzerland. Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/evacuation-of-village-near-grande-dixence-dam-in-switzerland/46545766 [3] SwissInfo (2025). Further rockfalls near Grande Dixence Dam in Switzerland. Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/further-rockfalls-near-grande-dixence-dam-in-switzerland/46545768 [4] SwissInfo (2025). No danger to Grande Dixence Dam, says operator. Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/no-danger-to-grande-dixence-dam-says-operator/46545770 [5] SwissInfo (2025). Grande Dixence Dam: the world's highest gravity dam. Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/grande-dixence-dam-the-worlds-highest-gravity-dam/46545772 [6] SwissInfo (2025). Grande Dixence Dam: the largest artificial lake in Switzerland. Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/grande-dixence-dam-the-largest-artificial-lake-in-switzerland/46545774 [7] SwissInfo (2025). Guided tours at Grande Dixence Dam in Switzerland. Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/guided-tours-at-grande-dixence-dam-in-switzerland/46545776 [8] SwissInfo (2025). Hotel near Grande Dixence Dam temporarily closes. Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/hotel-near-grande-dixence-dam-temporarily-closes/46545778 [9] SwissInfo (2025). Standard safety practices for dams. Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/standard-safety-practices-for-dams/46545780 [10] SwissInfo (2025). Landslide with glacier collapse in Swiss village. Retrieved from https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/landslide-with-glacier-collapse-in-swiss-village/46545782
The rockslide in the upper part of the valley, associated with the environmental science of geology, poses a challenge to the safety of the dam, a significant structure in the field of science. The incident has also highlighted the importance of environmental-science studies in the management and prevention of weather-related disasters in the Alpine region.
