Pontoon on the Isère

A Viewing Pontoon

A FLYWAY FOR BIRDS

The Marshes site is an important migratory stopover in Haute-Tarentaise. It attracts large numbers of birds moving along the Isère valley who pause here to rest.

The Marshes spot offers a break for migratory birds heading to southern Italy or North Africa. Herons such as the Cattle Egret, Great Egret and Little Egret, ducks like the Gadwall and Northern Shoveler, as well as pochards, teal, and grebes (Great Crested Grebe or Little Grebe) can be observed…

The presence of gravel bars, open water, wet meadows and a reed bed also favours the nesting of many species.
Among the rarer ones are the Pied Flycatcher, Wood Warbler and Tufted Duck.

THE ISÈRE: A CONTROLLED FLOW

To protect the environment and aquatic fauna, the Montrigon dam mitigates the impact of the Malgovert power plant’s operation.

This reservoir regulates variations in the Isère’s discharge during plant operation by absorbing and then gradually returning the turbinated water to the riverbed.

The fish pass located on the dam helps restore ecological continuity: it enables trout to pass this obstacle by using a series of stepped pools and then a fish lift (elevator).

Thanks to a carefully controlled flow, white-water sports are practiced on the Isère, while energy management is optimised for the downstream power stations of Pomblière and Moûtiers.