Bukhtarminskoye VodokhranilishcheAbout Bukhtarminskoye Vodokhranilishche
Bukhtarminskoye Vodokhranilishche, commonly known in English as the Bukhtarma Reservoir, is a large artificial reservoir on the Irtysh River in East Kazakhstan Region. It was impounded by the Bukhtarma Dam to provide hydroelectric power and regulate the river for regional uses.
The reservoir is a significant landscape feature used for power generation, water regulation, fishing and local recreation. Its shoreline and basin alter river flows downstream and support infrastructure related to the Bukhtarma hydroelectric facility.
Construction of the dam and the reservoir took place in the Soviet period to supply electricity and manage water resources in eastern Kazakhstan. The impoundment changed local riverine conditions and created a sizeable freshwater body used by nearby communities.
The reservoir lies in East Kazakhstan Region, northeast of the city of Oskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk), and extends across river valleys formed by the Irtysh within a mixed lowland and hilly landscape.
- Purpose: Created by a large dam on the Irtysh River, it is an important regional hydroelectric reservoir and is used for power production, irrigation and local navigation.
Best Time to Visit Bukhtarminskoye Vodokhranilishche
Summer months for recreation and boating; shoulder seasons for quieter visits.
Weather & Climate near Bukhtarminskoye Vodokhranilishche
Bukhtarminskoye Vodokhranilishche's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -22°C to 27°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -22° - -12° | -21° | 16 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 1.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.5h |
| February | Poor | -22° - -10° | -21° | 16 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 1.8 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.9h |
| March | Poor | -17° - -3° | -14° | 13 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 1.9 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.7h |
| April | Good | -1° - 9° | 1° | 30 mm | partly cloudy | 63% | 2.9 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 13.6h |
| May | Very Good | 6° - 18° | 12° | 45 mm | partly cloudy | 55% | 3.1 m/s | 1.4 high | 15.2h |
| June | Excellent | 11° - 25° | 18° | 39 mm | partly cloudy | 54% | 2.7 m/s | 1.7 very high | 16.0h |
| July | Very Good | 14° - 27° | 21° | 47 mm | partly cloudy | 52% | 2.4 m/s | 1.6 very high | 15.6h |
| August | Excellent | 12° - 26° | 19° | 32 mm | partly cloudy | 48% | 2.4 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.2h |
| September | Very Good | 7° - 20° | 14° | 30 mm | partly cloudy | 50% | 2.4 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Good | 2° - 12° | 5° | 32 mm | partly cloudy | 61% | 2.6 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.6h |
| November | Poor | -7° - 3° | -6° | 32 mm | overcast | 76% | 2.3 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.9h |
| December | Poor | -16° - -6° | -15° | 25 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 1.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.0h |
How to Get to Bukhtarminskoye Vodokhranilishche
Access by road from the city of Ust-Kamenogorsk (Oskemen) or other regional hubs in East Kazakhstan. Driving is the most practical option; check local maps for access points and seasonal road conditions.
Tips for Visiting Bukhtarminskoye Vodokhranilishche
- Plan water-based travel carefully and book any local charters in advance.
- Check seasonal reservoir levels and regional fishing regulations if engaging in angling.
- Summer can see high recreational use - seek quieter coves for overnight camping (where permitted).