Strong Tramuntana winds turn Albera ponds into a wavy sea

Gusts of up to 170 km/h create unusual waves in the sensitive Cardonera pond area.

Generic image of a natural pond with waves caused by strong northern winds in Alt Empordà.
IA

Generic image of a natural pond with waves caused by strong northern winds in Alt Empordà.

The powerful Tramuntana wind recorded this Sunday, March 15, in Alt Empordà, has created a visually striking phenomenon in the Albera ponds, where wind gusts raised waves typical of a sea storm.

The wind event, reaching speeds of 170 kilometers per hour, occurred while the wetlands at the foot of the Albera mountains were full of water. Following three consecutive eastern storms since Christmas, sites like la Cardonera pond have regained their volume, allowing the wind to generate exceptional wave activity.
Located between Sant Climent Sescebes, Capmany, and Cantallops, this natural system is one of the region's most fragile ecosystems. La Cardonera pond is part of the Natura 2000 network and serves as a vital sanctuary for protected species such as the spadefoot toad and the otter.
Beyond the visual spectacle, these temporary ponds play a strategic role in water regulation. Technical reports indicate the system can hold up to 180,000 cubic meters of water, helping to mitigate flood risks in lower areas during heavy rain episodes.