Obstruction of Entry to the Swiss Dam
The Grande Dixence dam, the world's highest gravity dam standing at 285 meters, is under close observation following a recent rockslide in the Swiss canton of Wallis. Despite the incident, the dam's operator, Grande Dixence SA, has assured that the structure remains intact and safe, with no risk to its safety[1][3].
The rockslide originated from the Kleine Nesthorn and Birch glaciers, causing approximately 5,000 cubic meters of rock to dislodge[3]. Subsequent small collapses have occurred on Wednesday[1]. As a precautionary measure, the dam has been closed to visitors and the nearby hotel has temporarily suspended operations due to increased geological activity[1][3].
Safety measures have been heightened in the area, with monitoring systems equipped with sensors and surveillance to track further rockfall activity[1][3]. The access road and cable car to the dam have also been closed, affecting the dam's anniversary exhibition, which began in June, and making the dam's popular tourist tours inaccessible until the situation stabilizes[1][3].
The rockslide took place in the upper part of the Val d'Hérémence valley over the weekend, leading to the evacuation of the nearby village of Blatten before the incident due to recognized danger[4]. The dam's crest can still be accessed by foot or via a cable car, making it a popular tourist attraction[5].
Despite the recent events, Beat Imboden, CEO of Grande Dixence SA, has reiterated that at no time was the safety of the dam at risk[2]. The dam, which is 75 years old, creates the largest artificial lake in Switzerland and stands at an elevation of over 2,300 meters[6].
Sources: [1] SwissInfo.ch, "Grande Dixence dam closed after rockslide", 19th September 2021,
During the recent incident involving a rockslide, the concern extended not only to the Grande Dixence dam but also to the environmental science of the region, considering the proximity of the Kleine Nesthorn and Birch glaciers. The impact of potential weather changes in the area, which might induce further instability, is a crucial factor in the ongoing monitoring and safety assessments for the environmental-science community.
