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Birschgletscher Collapse Buries Blatten, Triggers Slow Drain of Stagnant Lake

Authorities hope that slowly lowering the lake with floating barriers will avert catastrophic mudflows as experts caution the debris cone remains unstable.

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Overview

  • A collapse of rock and ice from the Kleine Nesthorn on May 28 triggered the Birschgletscher to crash into the valley, forming a nine million cubic meter debris cone that buried most of Blatten and left one resident unaccounted for.
  • The lake held back by the debris has dropped by one meter to roughly 800,000 cubic meters as the Lonza gradually carves channels through the blockage.
  • Cantonal authorities have installed floating barriers on the lake and lowered water levels at the Ferden power plant to prevent sudden mudflows or downstream flooding.
  • Geologists warn the debris cone remains highly unstable and that further rockfalls, driven by forecasted rain and ongoing ice melt, could spark new landslides.
  • All 306 villagers were evacuated ahead of the collapse, with psychological support services deployed and local officials now preparing detailed reconstruction plans.