Swiss dam wall shut for public access
In the picturesque Swiss canton of Wallis, a significant rockfall near the world's highest gravity dam, the Grande Dixence, has disrupted local tourism activities and temporarily closed the dam to visitors.
Last Saturday, approximately 5,000 cubic meters of rock detached near the dam, causing no danger to the structure itself according to its operator, Grande Dixence SA. However, the incident has led to increased geological activity, prompting authorities to close the access road to the dam and install sensors and surveillance systems for monitoring.
The rockfall affected a specific area near the cable car rather than the dam structure, as confirmed by the mayor of Hérémence, Grégory Logean. Despite the dam remaining unharmed, a nearby hotel had to temporarily cease operations due to safety concerns related to the rockfall.
The Grande Dixence dam, a popular tourist attraction, usually offers guided tours inside and is accessible via foot or aerial cableway. The dam's crest boasts a stunning view of the surrounding valley, making it a must-see for visitors. However, the current rockfall incident has made these experiences inaccessible.
The 75-year-old dam, standing tall at 285 meters, holds a water volume of 400 million cubic meters, making it Switzerland's largest artificial lake. It is not in danger, as confirmed by its operator, despite the recent incident.
Interestingly, the incident in Blatten occurred over a week after the initial rockfall near the Grande Dixence dam. The debris and ice avalanche from the Petit Nesthorn and Birch glacier surprised authorities, nearly destroying the village of Blatten in late May.
As the situation is being closely watched, authorities are taking necessary measures to manage risks in the affected area around the dam and cable car. The 75th anniversary exhibition of the dam, which opened in June and runs until October, remains inaccessible due to safety reasons.
Visitors are advised to follow updates from local authorities regarding the status of the Grande Dixence dam and the surrounding area. The dam remains a remarkable feat of engineering and is expected to reopen for tours once the area is deemed safe.
- Tourists visiting the Grande Dixence dam in Wallis, Switzerland have been unable to access the dam or its guided tours due to a recent series of rockfalls in the area, including one near the dam itself and another in Blatten, which caused increased geological activity and led to the installation of sensors and surveillance systems for monitoring.
- The mayor of Hérémence, Grégory Logean, confirmed that the dam remains unharmed, but a nearby hotel had to temporarily cease operations due to safety concerns related to the rockfall, and the 75th anniversary exhibition of the dam has remained inaccessible due to the ongoing situation.
