Verzasca (river)

River in Switzerland

46°23′27″N 8°44′36″E / 46.3908°N 8.7433°E / 46.3908; 8.7433 • elevation2,864 m (9,396 ft) MouthLake Maggiore

• location

Lake Maggiore, Switzerland

• coordinates

46°09′51″N 8°51′10″E / 46.1642°N 8.8528°E / 46.1642; 8.8528Length30 km (19 mi)Basin featuresProgressionLake Maggiore→ Ticino→ Po→ Adriatic Sea

The Verzasca is a 30-kilometre (19 mi) long Swiss Alpine river originating at Pizzo Barone and flowing into Lake Maggiore.^[1] It is known for its clear turquoise water and vibrant colored rocks, as well as its treacherous currents. The Verzasca Dam is a few kilometers upriver from Lake Maggiore.

Geography

The Verzasca River valley (Valle Verzasca) is in Ticino, the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. Chestnut trees thrive at the bottom of the valley. The river's water is crystal clear, and the depth does not exceed 10 metres (33 ft). Its average temperature is 7 to 10 °C (45 to 50 °F).

Recreation

The river is a popular scuba diving location and the valley is used for bungee jumping. The diving conditions are usually best from late spring to early autumn.^[2]

References

^ "Verzasca, Ticino". The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, General Secretariat, Presence Switzerland. swissworld.org. Retrieved 2010-11-04.
^ "River Verzasca". picture-newsletter.com. Retrieved 2010-11-04.