When was Campotosto Lake created and why?

Campotosto Lake was created in 1939 when the construction of three dams (Poggio Cancelli, Sella Pedicate, and Rio Fucino) began. The artificial lake was built to harness water resources from the Rio Fucino and tributaries of the Vomano and Trontino rivers, enabling the generation of hydroelectric power for approximately five different power plants.

What is the elevation of Campotosto Lake?

Campotosto Lake is located at 1,300 meters above sea level (a.s.l.), making it one of the most important artificial lakes in Europe. This significant altitude contributes to its unique alpine characteristics and surrounding landscape.

What was the history of the Campotosto area before it became a lake?

Before becoming a lake, the Campotosto basin was a pasture used by local inhabitants to graze their livestock. In 1887-88, peat mining became the primary activity after deposits were discovered, with excavation continuing until 1924, and the Ponte delle Stecche bridge was built to connect the mining operations with L'Aquila.

How does Campotosto Lake generate electricity?

Campotosto Lake is a hydroelectric facility that manages water flow to produce energy for about five different hydroelectric power plants. The three dams—Poggio Cancelli, Sella Pedicate, and Rio Fucino—work together to control the water from multiple river tributaries for optimal power generation.

What rivers feed into Campotosto Lake?

Campotosto Lake is fed by the Rio Fucino and the tributaries of two major rivers: the Vomano and the Trontino. These water sources were dammed in 1939 to create the artificial lake that now serves as a crucial water resource for the region.

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Pristine Nature 📍 Lago di Campotosto, Italy 173 views

Campotosto Lake

Photo · Teresa D.

Campotosto Lake — Lago di Campotosto, Italy.

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Lago di Campotosto

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Pristine Nature

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About Campotosto Lake

Campotosto Lake - Lago di Campotosto | Secret World Trip Planner

Initially the lake basin was nothing more than a pasture where all the inhabitants of the municipality used to bring their beasts. Later, with the discovery of peat (used as fuel) the basin became a mine (1887/88): the Ponte delle Stecche was built to facilitate the connection with L'Aquila. Peat excavation continued until 1924. In 1939 the construction of the Dams (Poggio Cancelli, Sella Pedicate and Rio Fucino) was begun. which gave rise to the Campotosto Artificial Lake located at 1300 a.s.l. and considered one of the most important artificial lakes in Europe. The waters of the Rio Fucino, the tributaries of the Vomano and those of the Trontino were blocked. Lake Campotosto manages to produce energy for about five different hydro-electric power plants.