Bratsk Reservoir, Artificial lake in Irkutsk Oblast, Russia.
The Bratsk Reservoir is a sprawling artificial body of water stretching along the Angara River in Irkutsk Oblast, formed by the construction of the Bratsk Dam. Its water depth varies considerably, with some sections reaching over one hundred meters below the surface while shallower areas rest closer to the shore.
Around twenty thousand people had to be relocated when the water began to rise after the dam work finished in the 1960s. The full filling took several years and completely transformed the river landscape into a sprawling lake.
Many travelers pass by without realizing that the old village of Bratsk lies beneath, leaving only its name after being fully submerged by the rising waters of the artificial lake. This flooding found its way into Rasputin's prose, which observed how Siberian regions surrendered their communities to the more modern needs of power generation.
The shoreline stretches for great distances with only a few access roads, so you should plan your approach in advance if you want to reach specific sections. The best time to visit is in summer when the surface is free of ice and boats operate.
Beneath the surface lie not only villages but also old forests that were completely flooded when the water rose over previously wooded valleys. Occasionally, tree stumps still emerge when the water level drops and reveal the lost landscape.
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