Bratsk ReservoirBratsk Reservoir at a Glance
About Bratsk Reservoir
The Bratsk Reservoir is a large artificial lake on the Angara River in Irkutsk Oblast, Russia, created in the 1960s as part of a major hydroelectric project. It is one of the biggest reservoirs in Siberia and supports power generation and river transport.
The shoreline and the dam structure are the main features people visit for views and industrial heritage. The reservoir provides long, open-water vistas and is used locally for fishing and boat travel along channels that extend many kilometres.
The reservoir was formed when the Bratsk Dam was built in the 1960s to supply a large hydroelectric power station and improve navigation on the Angara. The impoundment led to the flooding of river valleys and the development of associated power and transport infrastructure.
It lies in central Irkutsk Oblast, east of the city of Bratsk and within Siberia’s riverine landscape. The nearest major city is Irkutsk, several hundred kilometres to the south-east, with the town of Bratsk adjacent to the dam site.
- Viewing points: The reservoir edge and the nearby Bratsk hydroelectric dam are the main vantage points for views and photographs.
- Purpose: Formed after the Bratsk Dam was completed in the 1960s, the impounded river serves hydroelectric generation and regional water transport.
Best Time to Visit Bratsk Reservoir
Best in summer for boating and shoreline access; winter offers a very different, frozen landscape but requires extreme cold-weather preparation.
Weather & Climate near Bratsk Reservoir
Bratsk Reservoir's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -25°C to 23°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -25° - -16° | -26° | 15 mm | partly cloudy | 99% | 1.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.4h |
| February | Poor | -23° - -12° | -23° | 11 mm | partly cloudy | 98% | 1.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.3h |
| March | Poor | -16° - -3° | -14° | 11 mm | overcast | 97% | 2.4 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.7h |
| April | Poor | -5° - 5° | -4° | 19 mm | overcast | 79% | 2.9 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 14.0h |
| May | Acceptable | 2° - 13° | 5° | 33 mm | overcast | 70% | 2.8 m/s | 1.0 high | 16.2h |
| June | Very Good | 9° - 20° | 14° | 42 mm | partly cloudy | 68% | 2.3 m/s | 1.4 high | 17.3h |
| July | Very Good | 13° - 23° | 18° | 58 mm | partly cloudy | 68% | 2.0 m/s | 1.3 high | 16.8h |
| August | Good | 11° - 20° | 15° | 67 mm | partly cloudy | 70% | 1.9 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 14.9h |
| September | Acceptable | 4° - 12° | 7° | 38 mm | overcast | 77% | 2.1 m/s | 0.5 low | 12.6h |
| October | Poor | -3° - 3° | -3° | 24 mm | overcast | 83% | 2.7 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.2h |
| November | Poor | -13° - -5° | -14° | 22 mm | overcast | 93% | 2.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.0h |
| December | Poor | -20° - -13° | -22° | 20 mm | partly cloudy | 99% | 2.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.7h |
How to Get to Bratsk Reservoir
The reservoir is in Irkutsk Oblast. The city of Bratsk lies on its shores and is accessible by regional flights and rail from Irkutsk.
Tips for Visiting Bratsk Reservoir
- If planning to travel on the reservoir (boating), check local authorities for permits and navigational hazards.
- Visit viewpoints on the Angara River for dramatic perspectives; the reservoir has altered local shorelines and settlements.
- Be aware that the reservoir's water levels are managed for hydroelectric power; conditions can change seasonally.