Lac du Chevril

Lac du Chevril. It is a major reservoir located in the Tarentaise Valley of the French Alps, within the Savoie department. Created by the Chevrillon Dam, it impounds the waters of the Isère River and serves as a crucial component of the Électricité de France (EDF) hydroelectric network. The lake's presence has significantly transformed the local landscape and economy, supporting both hydroelectricity generation and the tourism industry centered around the renowned ski resorts of Tignes and Val-d'Isère.

Geography

Lac du Chevril is situated in the upper Tarentaise Valley, a major valley in the Graian Alps. The reservoir lies at an altitude of approximately 1,550 meters, with its shores touching the communes of Tignes and Val-d'Isère. The surrounding topography is dominated by high peaks such as the Grande Motte and the Aiguille Percée, part of the Vanoise Massif. The primary inflow and outflow is the Isère River, which originates from the Glacier de la Grande Aiguille Rousse near the Col de l'Iseran. The lake's creation submerged the original village of Tignes, leading to the construction of the new Tignes resort on its shores. The area falls within the larger Vanoise National Park, France's first national park, known for its alpine biodiversity.

History

The history of the site is defined by the construction of the Chevrillon Dam between 1948 and 1952, a project led by Électricité de France in the post-World War II period of national reconstruction. This endeavor was part of a larger wave of hydroelectric development in the French Alps, similar to projects at Serre-Ponçon and Grand'Maison. The filling of the reservoir necessitated the deliberate flooding and complete abandonment of the old village of Tignes, an event that sparked significant local protest and became a symbol of the social cost of modernization. The displaced population was largely relocated to a new settlement, also named Tignes, constructed on the lake's edge, which later evolved into a world-famous ski resort. The dam itself is an impressive example of mid-20th century engineering.

Hydroelectricity

Lac du Chevril is a key storage reservoir within the Électricité de France (EDF) Tignes-Malgovert hydroelectric scheme. Its primary function is to regulate the flow of the Isère River and provide a substantial head of water for power generation. The water is channeled through underground penstocks to the Malgovert power station located further down the valley. This facility is connected to other major reservoirs in the region, including Lac du Mont Cenis and Lac de la Girotte, forming an integrated network that contributes significantly to the Réseau de Transport d'Électricité (RTE) grid. The electricity produced is vital for the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and supports peak demand periods across France.

Tourism and recreation

The shores of Lac du Chevril are integral to the Tignes-Val-d'Isère ski area, one of the largest and most prestigious in the world, jointly known as Espace Killy. In summer, the reservoir becomes a hub for various activities, including sailing, windsurfing, and fishing. The lake is a dramatic backdrop for major sporting events, having hosted competitions during the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville. The surrounding area offers extensive hiking and mountain biking trails, such as the Sentier du Lac, which provides panoramic views. The modern architecture of Tignes and the traditional charm of Val-d'Isère provide a full range of tourist amenities, from luxury hotels to alpine restaurants.

Environmental aspects

The creation of Lac du Chevril caused a permanent alteration to the local alpine ecosystem, submerging terrestrial habitats and affecting riverine dynamics downstream. Électricité de France operates under regulations to manage minimum ecological flows in the Isère River to protect aquatic life. The area is adjacent to the protected zone of Vanoise National Park, which helps preserve the regional flora and fauna, including species like the Alpine ibex and Alpine marmot. Sedimentation within the reservoir and the long-term impacts of climate change on alpine hydrology, affecting glacial meltwater from sources like the Glacier de la Grande Aiguille Rousse, are ongoing considerations for water resource management in the Tarentaise Valley. Category:Reservoirs in France Category:Lakes of Savoie Category:Hydroelectric power in France