Definition
Lac de Serre-Ponçon, commonly referred to as Lake Serre-Ponçon, is a large artificial reservoir situated in the southeastern region of France, straddling the departments of Hautes-Alpes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence in the Provence‑Alps.
Overview
Constructed as part of a hydroelectric and flood‑control project, the lake was created by damming the Durance River. The primary dam, known as the Barrage de Serre-Ponçon, was completed in 1961 and began filling the reservoir in 1962. The lake serves multiple purposes, including electricity generation, irrigation, recreation, and water management for downstream communities. It is one of the largest artificial lakes in Western Europe by surface area.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Serre-Ponçon” derives from the nearby commune of Serre-Ponçon, which itself incorporates the term “serre,” meaning “ridge” or “mountain pass” in French, and “Ponçon,” likely a historical toponym linked to the local geography. The designation “Lac” simply means “lake” in French, indicating the water body created by the dam.
Characteristics
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Artificial reservoir |
| Primary Inflow | Durance River |
| Outflow | Durance River |
| Surface Area | Approximately 28.2 km² (10.9 sq mi) |
| Maximum Depth | About 90 m (295 ft) |
| Total Volume | Roughly 1.27 km³ (1.27 billion m³) |
| Length | Approximately 20 km (12 mi) |
| Width | Up to 5 km (3 mi) at its widest point |
| Elevation | 780 m (2,560 ft) above sea level |
| Dam | Barrage de Serre-Ponçon (gravity dam), height 123 m, length 600 m |
| Construction Period | 1955–1961 (dam), reservoir filling 1962 |
| Primary Uses | Hydroelectric power (≈ 380 MW capacity), irrigation, flood control, tourism (water sports, fishing, hiking) |
| Management | Operated by Électricité de France (EDF) and overseen by the regional water authority (EPCI) for environmental and recreational regulation |
The lake’s watershed covers a mountainous terrain prone to high precipitation and snowmelt, contributing to seasonal water level fluctuations. The hydroelectric plant associated with the dam utilizes the substantial head provided by the reservoir’s elevation to generate electricity for the regional grid.
Related Topics
- Barrage de Serre-Ponçon – the concrete gravity dam that creates the lake.
- Durance River – the major Alpine river whose flow is regulated by the reservoir.
- Hydroelectric Power in France – the broader context of France’s renewable energy infrastructure.
- Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Hautes-Alpes – the French departments encompassing the lake’s shoreline.
- Lac de Sainte-Croix – another major artificial lake in the Provence‑Alps region.
- Tourism in the Alps – recreational activities associated with alpine lakes, including sailing, windsurfing, and mountain biking around Lac de Serre-Ponçon.