The first Grande Dixence Dam was constructed between 1929 and 1935. A second dam that would flood the first was built between 1951 and 1965, and was filled on July 17, 1957. The first dam can still be seen when the water level is particularly low.

From 1993 to 1998 a high-pressure pipeline was built to considerably increase its peak capacity. It transported water 1,800 metres down to an additional power facility. The pipeline was welded using a new type of steel; it is out of service since it burst in December 2000, with the flood wave killing three people. Work on a replacement pipeline has recently started, with use of a more common steel and additional safety measures.

Thanks,

Alan

BTW, what Canton are you in ?  I know some engineers in Vaud.

I must congratulate you: i aware of this Burst in 2000 but i don't think it made the headlines worldwide! You're pretty well informed about Switzerland!

I'm from Geneva, just 60 kms near Lausanne, capital of canton Vaud.

OK, i seen that you have just taken the small description of Wikipedia!!

here, they say, operational again in 2010.

And you, where're you from?
"Big Easy" is one of the many nick names for New Orleans.

I live in the Lower Garden District of New Orleans, part of the 20% not flooded in Katrina, although the block accross the street burned completely during the storm.

I you ever decide to visit, please let me know.

Best Wishes,

Alan

You mean, if at the time that i earn enough money for that (i'm 25), the airplanes ticket won't be too expensive !!!

I've never been in the US, and i want to do a trip there (to see La Nouvelle Orléans naturally, but especially to visit colorado, the State where Otis Taylor, a blues musician, lives) but i'm really afraid that it will only be possible by ship, like in the early 20th century (remember TItanic?) !!

Apart of that, you got luck with katrina.. I saw recently a documentary about the state prison (don't remember the name now).. and it was not so fun for the prisoners, they led them abandoned for a couple of days if i recall me correctly of the film...
The people of New Orleans were abandoned for four and a half days, living on elevated highways and in the unflooded sections without any food or water from the outside, while the white Republican areas outside New Orleans, with far less flooding, were evacuated.  Only once they were safely out was relief sent to New Orleans.  After 4.5 days.

Alan

PS: with Swiss francs it is not so expensive :-)

at the present time, it can be managed, yes, but don't forget the topic of this blog !! ;)
So now is the time to take Icelandair or similar discount to the US, take Southwest from airport of entry to New Orleans (I would suggest BWI) and stay in St. Vincent's Guesthouse (an 1840s orphanage in the Lower Garden District, 5 blocks from me, 1.5 km from the French Quarter) for about $60 (75 CHf)/night.

I would be glad to help make arrangements :-)

Alan

Thanks for the tip, i'll keep it in my head when i have holidays..

But there's always this little problem of GW, nothing is simple now..