[1] The lake is overlooked to the south by the hill where the Monte Stella Sanctuary is located.

Part of the area around the lake is included in the Polveriera Park of the municipality of Ivrea.

[2] As with other bodies of water in the area, it is a glacial lake formed by the retreat of the Balteo Glacier.

The lake partly falls within the Site of Community Importance known as Laghi di Ivrea (code IT1110021),[3] established under Directive 92/43/EEC (Habitats Directive) and designated as a Special Area of Conservation.

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