Following the abundant precipitation from last week and melting snow, the water level of the Rhône has increased considerably. To prevent any risk of flooding and ensure the safety of surrounding infrastructure, it is necessary to completely open the floodgates at the Seujet dam.
Lake Geneva is 15 cm above its maximum level and the flow of the Rhône is 580 m3 per second at the Seujet dam. For these reasons, the Verbois and Chancy-Pougny dams also opened their floodgates to the maximum.
Increased dangers for people engaging in whitewater activities
At the same time, these measures create particularly dangerous conditions with faster and unpredictable currents. The height of the water, combined with increased speed, poses a significant danger to anyone venturing into the river. Stronger currents can surprise even experienced people, significantly increasing the risk of drowning or serious accidents.
Local authorities point out that swimming in white water is not without risks, especially when the currents are strong and the water levels high. It is therefore strongly recommended to refrain from swimming in the Rhône in these circumstances.
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