Massa (river)
| Massa | |
|---|---|
The Massa flows through a steep sided gorge. In the distance is the Aletsch Glacier, which sources the melt-water. | |
| Location | |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | Aletsch Glacier |
| • location | Valais |
| • coordinates | 46°26′32″N 8°04′38″E / 46.44222°N 8.07722°E |
| Mouth | Rhône |
• location | Bitsch, Valais |
• coordinates | 46°19′47″N 8°00′46″E / 46.3298°N 8.0129°E |
| Length | 7 km (4.3 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Rhône→ Mediterranean Sea |
The Massa (German pronunciation: [ˈmasa]) is a seven kilometre long river in the eastern Bernese Alps in the Swiss canton of Valais. It is mainly fed by the melt-water from the Aletsch Glacier. It passes through the Massa Gorge and flows into the Stausee Gibidum reservoir and onwards to its confluence with the Rhône.
The whole area, including other glaciers is part of the Jungfrau-Aletsch Protected Area, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.