Lago di Catagno

A small high-alpine lake in the Swiss Alps with cold freshwater and remote mountain atmosphere.

Difficulty
Medium

Location on map

Navigate with Google Maps

Lago di Catagno is a compact natural alpine lake in a high mountain setting. The site offers a remote atmosphere, cold clear water, and simple but demanding altitude dives. No official consent required.

Lake Cadagno is a rare example of crenogenic meromixis. Its waters show a permanent stratification due to a natural geological phenomenon - high amount of dissolved mineral salts in lower layer (which also has very low visibility). The layer above is oxidised and full of aquatic plants in summer.

Basic information

  • Area: 0.26 km2
  • Max depth: 21m
  • Water temperature: cold to very cold
  • Conditions: usually good visibility to 7-8 m, very low visibility layer below

Access

Access and parking depend on mountain road conditions and season. Verify local access status before planning the dive. Paid access. Road with alternating traffic, and a lot of hikers.

Accomodation

Accomodation possible at Rifugio Lago Ricom.

What to consider?

  • Treat it as altitude diving and configure your dive computer accordingly
  • Thermal protection is essential in all seasons
  • Keep dive plans conservative because of remote location

Recent dive reports at Lago di Catagno