Area in Switzerland

Area in Switzerland and represents almost 60% of water exported from the country.[57] Tributary valleys, some of which are complicated, channel

water to the main valleys which can experience flooding during the snow melt season when rapid runoff causes debris torrents and swollen rivers.[58]

The rivers form lakes, such as Lake Geneva, a crescent shaped lake crossing the Swiss border with Lausanne on the Swiss side and the town of Evian-les-Bains on the French side. In Germany, the medieval St. Bartholomew’s chapel was built on the south side of the Königssee, accessible only by boat or by climbing over the abutting peaks.[59]

Southern prealpine lakes like Lake Garda are characterised by warmer microclimates than the surrounding areas
Additionally, the Alps have led to the creation of large lakes in Italy. For instance, the Sarca, the primary inflow of Lake Garda, originates in the Italian Alps.[60] The Italian Lakes are a popular tourist destination since the Roman Era for their mild climate.

Scientists have been studying the impact of climate change and water use. For example, each year more water is diverted from rivers for snowmaking in the

ski resorts, the effect of which is yet unknown. Furthermore, the decrease of glaciated areas combined with a succession of winters with lower-than-expected precipitation may have a future impact on the rivers in the Alps as well as an effect on the water availability to the lowlands.[55][61]