Details
Meltwater outbursts, for various reasons, may be an important hazard in glaciated alpine topography. The excursion is visiting the example of Grubengletscher in the Haslital (= Grimsel-Valley, Bernese Oberland). The area can easily be reached and it is of special interest, that an artists painting exists of the high alpine tributary "Erlental" before a glacier meltwater outburst ocured which destroyed the alpine madows completely. - Today, the lake (in the photograph) which has produced the outburst and caused the flooding is part of a hydropower scheme.

The excursion demonstrates a key example of such a geo-accident at a small scale: origin of the meltwater, relationship to glacier fluctuations, result of the flooding in a spectacular high alpine landscape.

Route
Bern - Meiringen - Handegg and return to Bern by Bus. - Mountain hike unsuitable for untrained participants. However, possibility to remain at a lower level after a 2 hrs hike. After 2 more hours, the Grubensee (Lake in the photograph) can be reached. Mountain hiking equipment is compulsory (boots and warm clothing). Then return to Handegg and to the bus. Lunch will be provided.

Support
Supported by Gebäudeversicherung Kanton Bern