The Dora di Valgrisenche
The stream that comes down from the Rutor and fills Lake Beauregard
Valgrisenche is a narrow valley that opens to the south of the Dora Baltea, near Arvier. Its stream bears the same name. The Dora di Valgrisenche rises from the glaciers at the head of the valley, towards the Rutor massif and the French border. It then runs down the whole valley before joining the Dora Baltea.
Trout, chamois and ibex
Its cold, clear water suits brown trout. On the slopes above the stream live chamois and ibex, which are fairly easy to spot in summer. The banks carry a varied Alpine flora.
Gorges and waterfalls
Since the end of the ice ages, the stream has been cutting into the rock. It has formed gorges, waterfalls and, where the slope eases, meanders. This work of the water goes on every spring, when the snow melts.
The Beauregard dam
In the middle of the 20th century, the Beauregard dam was built in the upper valley. It holds back the Dora and forms a lake. The water is used to generate electricity for the region.
Fishing and running the stream
Fishing draws many enthusiasts. Some stretches of the stream are also descended by canyoning. These visitors keep some of the valley’s businesses going.
Less ice, less water
The retreat of the glaciers and changes in rain and snowfall are altering the stream’s flow. The municipalities and conservation groups monitor the water quality. They also try to limit the effects of tourism on the banks.
