Ust-Ilimsk Reservoir, reservoir in Irkutsk Oblast, Russia
Ust-Ilimsk Reservoir is a large artificial lake on the Angara River in Irkutsk Oblast that stretches roughly 300 kilometers and is surrounded by dense forests and rocky formations. The water is regulated by a nearby hydroelectric station and offers a calm expanse with occasional boat traffic used for timber transport.
The reservoir was filled between 1974 and 1977 following construction of the Ust-Ilimsk hydroelectric station to support regional energy production. Creating the reservoir required relocating villages and farms that occupied land destined to be flooded.
The reservoir serves local communities as a vital resource for fishing and timber transport along its shores. Small settlements nearby depend on forestry, and residents view the water and forests as essential elements of their daily lives and work.
The reservoir is most easily accessed by water, with navigation occurring mainly during warmer months. Visitors should note that the water remains very cold, often only around 8 to 9 degrees Celsius even in summer.
Beneath the water surface lie remnants of forests flooded during the reservoir's creation, with skeletal tree stumps protruding from the water. These submerged landscapes create a striking visual effect, especially at sunrise or dusk.
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