Lac d'Aubert, Artificial lake in Vielle-Aure, France.
Lac d'Aubert is an artificial lake in the Pyrenees at roughly 2,150 meters elevation, sitting in a high-altitude valley surrounded by steep mountain slopes. The water surface reflects rocky peaks and sparse mountain plants that cling to the surrounding terrain.
The lake was created in the 1930s to generate electricity for the surrounding region. This project was part of a larger effort to develop hydroelectric power in the French Pyrenees.
In Occitan, Aubert means "green water", a name still used for this lake below Lac d'Aumar. The eastern shore carries the GR 10 long-distance footpath toward Lac de l'Oule, and the dam above the Laquettes is a landmark for walkers crossing the Néouvielle reserve.
The lake is reached by walking trails that are most passable during the warmer months. The best time to visit is between June and September when the paths are clear of snow and weather conditions are stable.
Lac d'Aubert is not fed by a river: its water comes from the glaciers of Ramougn and Chaussenque and from overflow of the neighbouring Lac d'Aumar. Its dam holds 8,260,000 m³ and serves as a reservoir for the Lac de Cap-de-Long. In 2014, during EDF work at the dam, Bonnal's lizards on the southern slope were moved to a nearby protected area.
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