Lac de la Gittaz, Reservoir in Beaufort, France.
Lac de la Gittaz is a reservoir in the French Alps that stretches 800 meters long and 500 meters wide. The water body is held back by a 164-meter-long dam standing 65 meters high, located at approximately 1,560 meters elevation.
This reservoir was completed in 1967 to provide additional water storage for the older Roselend Dam, which began operating in 1960. Together, the two structures form a key part of the hydroelectric system in the Savoie Alps.
This reservoir is part of the hydroelectric infrastructure that supports communities across the French Alps. Visitors can observe how water management shapes and sustains the mountain landscape today.
The reservoir sits at high altitude and is reached via a side road from Route D925, which becomes impassable during winter months. Plan your visit according to the season and check local conditions before heading up.
The dam features an unusual spillway designed to resemble a ski jump, created by engineer André Coyne. This distinctive structure efficiently channels excess water when needed.
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