Estany Xic de Colomina

Estany Xic de Colomina is a small glacial lake in the municipality of La Torre de Cabdella, in the Vall Fosca valley (Pallars Jussà, Catalonia, Spain). "Xic" means "small" in Catalan, distinguishing it from the much larger neighboring lake, Estany de Colomina.

Where exactly is the lake?

The lake sits at roughly 2,426 metres above sea level, in rugged mountain terrain northeast of the village of Cabdella. Its coordinates are approximately 42.520°N, 0.995°E. The area borders the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, though the lake itself lies in the park's peripheral protection zone rather than within its strictly protected core.

How big is it?

Estany Xic de Colomina measures about 220 metres in length and 101 metres in width, covering roughly 1.84 hectares. That makes it considerably smaller than the adjacent Estany de Colomina, which spans over 15 hectares.

Where does the water come from and go?

The lake feeds into the larger Estany de Colomina, entering it from the west. Both lakes are part of an extensive network of glacial lakes in the Vall Fosca valley, linked by natural drainage and, in places, engineered channels.

What peaks surround it?

The surrounding ridgeline includes Pic de Saburó and Pic de la Mainera (both around 2,906 m) to the east, Pala Pedregosa de Llessui (2,881 m) to the southeast, and Pales de Colomina (2,678 m) to the northwest. The setting is classic high-Pyrenean terrain: bare rock, sparse alpine vegetation, and a scattering of smaller tarns nearby.

Does the lake tie into hydroelectric power?

Yes. The Cabdella lakes (Catalan: estanys de Cabdella), which include Estany Xic de Colomina, were incorporated into a hydroelectric system built between 1911 and 1914 by the company Energía Eléctrica de Cataluña. The neighboring Estany Gento acts as the system's flow regulator, and water from the higher lakes, including Colomina, ultimately supplies the power station in the Vall Fosca valley.

How do you reach the lake?

The area is a popular hiking destination. One recommended route links Coll del Triadó, Estany Gento, Estany de Colomina and Estany de Mar — about 21 km long, roughly 6.5 hours, with around 516 m of elevation gain. Estany Xic de Colomina sits along this broader lakes circuit, so it's usually visited as part of a longer day in Vall Fosca rather than as a standalone destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Estany Xic de Colomina and Estany de Colomina? Estany Xic ("small") is much smaller — about 1.84 hectares versus more than 15 hectares for the neighboring lake it flows into.

How high up is the lake? Around 2,426 metres above sea level, in the high-mountain section of the Vall Fosca valley.

Is the lake inside a national park? It sits right next to the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, in the park's peripheral zone rather than inside the strictly protected core area.

What's the best way to plan a visit? Most visitors see it as part of a longer hiking route connecting several Cabdella lakes, such as via Estany Gento and Estany de Mar — plan for a full day.