Ariège (river)
The Ariège is a river in southern France and Andorra. It is a right tributary of the Garonne. From its source in the Pyrenees near El Pas de la Casa, the river flows north, forming part of the French border with Andorra. It flows for about and drains approximately of mainly mountainous terrain. The river is managed by the authority of the Agence de l’eau Adour-Garonne, to preserve the water quality, ensure ecological continuity, and regulate hydropower use.
Course
The river emerges at the base of Puy-Nègre in the Pyrenees at an altitude of in Southern France near the Andorran border. It flows northwards through Ax-les-Thermes, Foix, Pamiers, Cintegabelle. It flows into the Garonne in Portet-sur-Garonne, south of Toulouse. Its longest tributaries are the Hers-Vif and the Lèze.
Hydrology
The river has a watershed region that extends from Portet to the Pyrenees, covering. The flow is about measured downstream at Foix and increases downstream. Cold snowmelt and rainfall in spring causes increased flow with flood risk during autumn's heavy rains, and low flows in summer and winter. The river supports migratory and mountain fish species. The river is managed by the authority of the Agence de l’eau Adour-Garonne, to preserve the water quality, ensure ecological continuity, and regulate hydropower use. Kayaking, fly-fishing, and mountain tourism are popular with water regulation preserving flow levels for recreation.