Chalberhöni Project Begins Last Phase

  30.06.2015 Gstaad Living



The stream is finally beginning the last phase of a complicated rehabilitation project, which was deemed necessary after it was badly hit in the devastating storm of summer 2010 that caused millions of francs in damages.

After the 2010 storm, steps were taken to prevent future destruction near Chalberhönibach, which runs from the enclave of the same name down to Gstaad. At a total cost of CHF 5,8 million, an overflow dam was constructed to hold back 10,000 cubic metres of sediment, and the bridge and road were reconstructed as well. The improvements were expected to ensure Chalberhönibach remained in its streambed; yet May's rains tested its capability.

This spring, Chalberhönibach swelled to just 5 to 10 centimetres below the Oeyetli Bridge, and in the several places in the upper basin of the dam, flooded over. It also flooded over near its mouth on the Saane, dredging up 300 to 400 cubic metres of rubble and sediment. At this stage it is unclear which communities will be responsible for the price of the clean up. As a precaution, several roads were closed in the area. With the easing of the rainfall and the removal of any rubble complete, they were all reopened.

All in all, the rains caused a scare and some clean up, yet the situation could have been much worse. Fortunately there were no injuries or damage to any buildings.


“We are lucky that in spite of the intense rains, there were no serious consequences,” says Christian Brand, head of the Fire Department.

Brand noted that even after rainfall stops there is a danger of flooding. “It takes approximately 5 to 7 hours for the water levels to fall,” he informed.

The complex plans for the last phases of the Chalberhöni project were made public and any objections filed by May 15. They showed several changes to the area are due, including moving the road northward and rebuilding the Oeyetli Bridge about 10 metres closer to the Saane. The Rübelidorf Bridge will also be reconstructed.

With any luck, the work will commence this fall, and reach completion before any further storms cause irreparable damage.


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