Lago Ritom

Infobox lake
lake_name = Lago Ritom
image_lake = Ritom02.jpg
caption_lake =
image_bathymetry =
caption_bathymetry =
location = Piora Valley, Ticino
coords = coord|46|32|24|N|8|41|21|E|type:waterbody_region:CH-TI|display=inline,title
type = reservoir, natural lake
inflow =
outflow =
catchment =
basin_countries = Switzerland
length =
width =
area = 1.49 km²
depth =
max-depth = 69 m
volume = 48 mio m³
residence_time =
shore =
elevation = 1850 m
islands =
cities =

Lago Ritom is a small lake in the Piora valley, Ticino, Switzerland. The natural lake is used as a reservoir by the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB-CFF-FFS) to generate hydro-electric power for the Gotthard line. The first dam was built in 1918 and, in 1950, its height was increased by 23 m.

The lake can be reached by funicular from Piotta 786 m below. The track with a length of 1369 m has a maximum inclination of 87.8%.

The lake's surface area is 1.49 km² at an elevation of 1850 m. With Lake Cadagno and Lago di Tom, it is one of the main lakes in the Piora valley.

Before being used as a reservoir, Lake Ritom was a meromictic lake similar to the nearby Lake Cadagno.

External links

* [http://www.lagoritom.com Lago Ritom] - tourist information
* [http://www.ritom.ch/it/funicolare.php Funicolare del Ritom] it icon de icon - Ritom funicular
* [http://www.swissinfo.org/eng/specials/wakker/detail/Ritom_s_waters_power_the_Gotthard.html?siteSect=3101&sid=5831020 Ritom's waters power the Gotthard]