Problems
Lake Montbel is a large artificial lake in southwest France, created in 1985 by flooding a forested area. It is located in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains and covers 1,400 acres of land. It is a popular destination for tourists who enjoy its turquoise waters, sailing activities, hiking trails, and camping sites. It is also a vital source of irrigation for farmers and water for local rivers. However, Lake Montbel is facing a severe threat from the winter drought that has hit France and other parts of Europe. According to CNN, in 2022, Lake Montbel was at about 28% of its capacity, which was less than half what is usual for that time of the year, and the lake shrunk to a fraction of its former size. The boats of the local sailing club were stranded on the dry lake bed, and the lake’s aquatic life was endangered. This situation is unprecedented in the history of the lake, which has never experienced such low water levels before.
Causes of drying up of Lake Montbel
The winter drought was caused by exceptionally low rainfall and snowfall in France and other parts of Europe. France had more than 30 days with no significant rain between January and February – the longest stretch since records began in 1959. Snowfall has also been very low, meaning less snowmelt to recharge rivers in the spring. The drought is worsened by high temperatures, reaching 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit) in southwest France on March 30, 2023 – the hottest March day since 1900
Effect of lowering the water level
Drought seriously affects the environment, agriculture, tourism, and energy production. Lake Montbel is a natural beauty and a crucial reservoir for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. The lake supplies water to about 15,000 hectares of farmland and several rivers, including the Hers-Vif and the Ariege. Without enough water, farmers face crop losses and reduced incomes. The lake also hosts a hydroelectric plant that produces about 10 megawatts of electricity. The plant must stop operating if the water level drops below a certain threshold. The drought also affects the tourism industry, which relies on Lake Montbel as an attraction for visitors. The lake draws thousands of tourists yearly, who spend money on accommodation, food, transportation, and leisure activities. The sailing club, for example, has had to cancel several competitions since January, as the lake’s surface is no longer suitable for sailing. The drought is a sign of climate change, which is expected to make heatwaves more frequent and severe in Europe and elsewhere. Scientists warn that climate change will put more pressure on water resources and increase the risk of water scarcity, conflicts, and migration. To prevent further damage to Lake Montbel and other water bodies, it is urgent to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the changing climate.
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Timelines
2023
March 17
The lake faced a serious threat from the winter drought that hit France and other parts of Europe. The lake’s water level dropped to about 28% of its capacity, exposing the dry lake bed and endangering the aquatic life. The drought was caused by exceptionally low rainfall and snowfall, as well as high temperatures
2022
May 02
The worst drought on French records, which left the lake dry, the lake is now at a fraction of its average level for this time of year.
2000
The lake became a popular destination for tourists enjoying its turquoise waters, sailing activities, hiking trails and camping sites. It also hosts a variety of wildlife, such as birds, fish and otters.
1985
The dam that created the lake was built by flooding a forested area. The lake was intended to supply water for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation.