Upper Volga Reservoir, reservoir in Russia
The Upper Volga Reservoir is a large body of water on the Volga River in Russia's Tver region, situated on the Valdai upland about 190 meters above sea level. It covers roughly 183 square kilometers, stretches about 85 kilometers long, and receives water from multiple tributaries including the Runa, Kudy, Big and Small Dubenki, and Kocha.
The dam was first built in 1843 to raise water levels in the upstream lakes by about 5 feet (1.5 meters). During World War II in October 1941, Soviet engineers destroyed it to block German forces, and it was rebuilt in 1943 with a further water level increase of about 8 feet (2.5 meters).
The Upper Volga Reservoir sits in a region where small villages depend on fishing and water transport for their livelihood. Local people use the water daily for transportation, food, and everyday needs.
The water freezes from mid-November to April with ice about 20 inches (50 centimeters) thick, limiting access during winter months. In warmer seasons, multiple entry points along the 225-kilometer shoreline provide opportunities for boating and fishing.
This reservoir was deliberately destroyed by Soviet engineers in 1941 as a military defense strategy during World War II, making it one of the rare dams destroyed intentionally during wartime. After reconstruction, it became a functioning water system again, reflecting both the destructive and constructive efforts of that era.
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