Desnogorsk Reservoir, reservoir in Russia
Desnogorsk Reservoir is a large body of water in Smolensk Oblast that stretches about 44 kilometers in length with depths reaching up to 22 meters (72 feet). Sandy beaches line the shores, which extend for over 130 kilometers and are surrounded by a mix of coniferous and deciduous forests.
Construction of the reservoir began in 1978 to provide cooling water for the Smolensk nuclear power station, with teams of builders and student crews from across the Soviet Union working on the project. By the early 1980s, the dam was complete and the water had filled the basin, transforming the landscape into a functioning industrial and recreational space.
The reservoir is central to the local community, hosting sailing competitions in May and October and a dragon boat race each June that draws participants from nearby towns. Music festivals like the motorcycle rock event and performances celebrating youth talent showcase how the place serves as a cultural gathering space beyond just water recreation.
The water remains unfrozen for most of the year, allowing boating and swimming from roughly March through November, with the warmest conditions in summer months. Access to the shore is generally easy from multiple points along the 130-kilometer coastline, and facilities like rental paddleboards and fishing spots are available at various locations around the water.
The water stays unusually warm year-round, allowing sailors to practice for 8 to 9 months when most other lakes are frozen solid. An unusual winter swimming event called X-WATERS Nuclear started in March 2022, where hardy swimmers plunge into water at only 8 degrees Celsius, and the event now attracts participants from many countries each year.
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