Novosibirsk Reservoir

Novosibirsk Reservoir is an artificial lake in Novosibirsk Oblast and Altai Krai, Russia, stretching about 200 kilometers (124 miles) in length and up to 17 kilometers (11 miles) wide. It covers roughly 1,070 square kilometers (413 square miles) and holds water behind a large concrete dam on the Ob River.

Construction of the dam started in 1956 on the Ob River to generate power for the growing industrial region. Three years later the reservoir filled and flooded large areas of the river valley.

Locals call the water body the Ob Sea and visit its shores during warm months for swimming and camping. Families arrive with tents and boats, treating the long shoreline as a place to escape the city.

Water levels change throughout the year between low and high marks, affecting access to shore areas. Many beach sections and boat landings become easier to reach during summer months than at other times.

The Karakan Pine Forest runs along the eastern shore and offers shaded trails between the beach and the tree canopy. The associated hydroelectric plant produces around 1,687 gigawatt-hours of electricity each year.

Location: Novosibirsk Oblast

Location: Altai Krai

Inception: 1959

GPS coordinates: 54.75693,82.89279

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:23