Geomorphic evolution of the Miage Lake: a morphometric evaluation of the changes from 2018 to 2024

The Miage Glacier, located on the Italian side of Mont Blanc, features the popular touristic Lake Miage. This lake has experienced significant changes in recent years, including a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in July 2022. This study uses geomorphometry to analyze the lake's evolution and increasing hazard. Comparing photogrammetric surveys (2018, 2022, and 2024), changes were tracked in the lake's volume. In 2018, the lake held 170,000 m³ of water, with a potential capacity of 340,000 m³. By 2022, the volume increased to 450,000 m³. In 2024, the actual volume was 137,000 m³ and the potential volume decreased to 210,000 m³. These changes highlight the complex role of factors influencing the lake's dynamics, including glacier flow, ice melt, and debris input. Continuous monitoring is crucial to understanding these evolving processes including the natural risks that can affect the area.