Wägitalersee

Artificial lake in Schwyz

47°5′22″N 8°55′16″E / 47.08944°N 8.92111°E / 47.08944; 8.92111Typeartificial lakePrimary inflowsAberenbach, SchlierenbachPrimary outflowsWägitaler AaCatchment area42.7 km² (16.5 sq mi)Basin countriesSwitzerlandSurface area4.18 km² (1.61 sq mi)Max. depth65 m (213 ft)Surface elevation900 m (3,000 ft)SettlementsInnerthal Map

Wägitalersee is an artificial lake in Wägital, a valley in the canton of Schwyz, Switzerland. The lake is surrounded by the mountains Gross Aubrig, Fluebrig, Zindlenspitz, Brünnelistock and Bockmattli. The reservoir is located in the municipality of Innerthal.

The old village of Innerthal was flooded in 1924 when the dam Schräh was constructed. A new village was built on the current lake.

Economy

The primary economical purpose of the Wägitalersee is to serve as reservoir for pumped-storage hydroelectricity. The power plant and the reservoir dam became operational in 1924, thereby creating the Wägitalersee. At the time, the dam was the tallest in the world at 366 feet having surpassed Arrowrock dam located in Idaho, USA. The power plant is operated by NOK Wägital / AG Kraftwerk Wägital and produces approximately 120 million kWh of energy per year.^[1]

Besides the above industrial purpose, the lake is very popular as a (nearby) recreational area for families, hikers, nature lovers and especially fishermen. The waterside is easily accessible on foot and also by car (in certain areas).