Massa (river)

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.

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
Mouth	Rhône
• location	Bitsch, Valais
• coordinates	46.3298°N 8.0129°E / 46.3298; 8.0129
Length	7 km (4.3 mi)
Basin features
Progression	Rhône→ Mediterranean Sea

The whole area, including other glaciers is part of the Jungfrau-Aletsch Protected Area, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.

See also

• List of glaciers
• Retreat of glaciers since 1850
• Swiss Alps

References

• The Massa on the National Map of Switzerland