Former Maash lake. The unexpected disappearance of Lake Maashei. Causes of death of the reservoir Research results and conclusions
Until recently, this amazing natural reservoir was of considerable interest. It was popular with tourists and was considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the Altai Republic, until this terrible natural disaster happened: the lake ceased to exist.
More detailed information about the death of Lake Maashey in Altai is presented in this short article.
History of the formation of the lake
The lake appeared about 100 years ago, after a huge landslide blocked the river bed. Mazhoy, flowing in a section of the North Chuysky ridge (height - 1984 meters). Administratively, this area belongs to the Kosh-Agach district. The length of the lake was 1500 meters long and 400 meters wide.
Since that time, there has been no heavy or prolonged rainfall in these places. Previously, by going around the reservoir along the western bank and moving further along the bed of the Maashey River, one could get to the glacier called the Great Maashey. A river flows out from under it.
According to various sources, in the upper reaches of the river valley there is a modern glacier, and six kilometers from it there are moraine ridges, which are witnesses to the lower ancient position of the glacier. From the niches that are located on the sides of the main valley, huge tongue-shaped ridges are visible, one of which (height 30-40 meters, width 700 meters) almost blocks the entire valley. It is a powerful tongue of glacial-colluvial material and does not reach the steep right rocky slope of the valley (about 50 meters). It was from this point that the collapse occurred, forming a barrier to the flow of water from the glaciers, which contributed to the formation of Lake Maashei. Judging by the flooded forest and the towering dry larch trunks above the water, one can judge that the reservoir was formed relatively recently. Some larches above the water still have branches.
Description of the lake
At one time, this lake was described by the famous glaciologist M.V. Tronov. According to him, this reservoir is amazingly beautiful. Its turquoise water reflects the panorama of the lake's sources. Along the perimeter it is framed by the trunks of extinct trees sticking out of the water.
It was located on the Maashey (or Mazhoy) River. The depth of Lake Maashei is 3.5 meters. It should be noted that it shallowed gradually, filling with various materials that the river brought from the glacier and from the high steep slopes of the valley. It happened that in winter and early spring the lake basin was completely drained, exposing the bottom.
The water level in summer depended on the volume of glacier melting. With strong melting it increased, and with a decrease in runoff it became smaller. Excess water was filtered through the dam.
Most of the water release was observed on the opposite side of the dam. The river begins from them. Maashey, which is one of the major tributaries of the Chuya. Only one not very powerful outlet was observed in the lower part of the “valley” depression along the right slope of the valley. The majestic snow-capped peaks of the North Chuysky ridge were clearly visible from the shores of the lake: Karagem (3750 meters) and Maashey (4173 meters). It was from this place that tourists made a hike to the glacier of the same name.
Lake Maashey was located approximately 7 kilometers from the glacier, high in the mountains (1984 meters). It should be noted that it was simply impossible to get to this wonderful reservoir: people went to it on horseback or on foot in multi-day expeditions. But nevertheless, it was popular among travelers.
The death of Lake Maashey
In 2012, on June 17, due to heavy torrential rains in the mountains (starting from July 5) and mudflows, the transverse moraine levee (natural dam) of Lake Maashei was eroded. The result of this natural disaster was the “flowing out” of the lake from its bed. It left in just a few hours through the resulting ravine. The reservoir ceased to exist.
In addition, due to heavy rainfall, which led to an increase in the water level in Chuya and Ak-Tru, the bridge on Chuya was demolished by huge streams of water and trees were uprooted, and a powerful stream of water came down from the Ak-Tru glacier. Lake Maashey no longer exists.
Present tense
Today, a river of the same name flows through the territory of the former Lake Maashei, heavily polluted by various sedimentary rocks. Its waters flow through the drying valley.
Gradually, nature took its toll, and perhaps soon the landscapes will become the same as before the formation of the lake. It turns out that this beauty (by natural standards) existed for a very short time - only about 100 years. Only surviving photographs can remind us of the past - the existence of such a beautiful lake.
Research results and conclusions
How did Lake Maashei flow out? How could it have disappeared?
Research results confirm that the natural dam broke due to rising water levels due to heavy rainfall. Such prolonged downpours occur once every few decades. The lake was formed as a result of mudflows, so it could be assumed in advance that it would be destroyed in the same way.
Similar phenomena, when lakes form as dams on rivers, occur relatively often in the mountains. And this could be a threat to some settlements downstream of the river.
It is necessary to establish special surveillance for such rivers.
Finally
One of the unique natural wonders of Altai is Lake Maashei. It's gone forever. This is life: something is born, and something disappears. There are quite a lot of such places in Altai. For example, the age of the Uchar waterfall is no more than 200 years. It was formed in a similar way - as a result of the collapse of mountains.
In all this, perhaps, lies the main charm of nature. You can admire her as long as she gives you such an opportunity.
The earth changes its appearance quite slowly: it little by little reshapes the surrounding relief, slowly transforming one natural zone into another. But contrary to all constancy, sometimes natural disasters occur, and the surrounding terrain becomes different in a few hours. This happened with Lake Maasha.
Previously, the reservoir stretched on the North Chuysky ridge of the Altai Mountains, at an altitude of 1984 m. The edges of the lake abutted the mountains and approached centuries-old larches. The trunks of some of them stuck out from the water surface like black beacons - these were trees that grew in the valley when the reservoir did not yet exist. The lake was located within the bed of the Maashey River, which is also called Mazhoy. The reservoir received its name and main type of nutrition from the Bolshaya Maashey glacier. Lake Maashey was 1.5 km long and up to 400 m wide. Its age was over a hundred years, which is not so much. At one end it almost rested on a glacier, from under which a river ran out, and on the other, on a natural dam that came down from the mountains during a landslide.
Previously, a large glacier lay even lower, this can be seen from the moraine type of relief on the northern coast of the former lake. The valley of the reservoir is a picturesque place. The whole of it is a narrowed bowl, in which ridges alternate with deep niches. A natural barrier in the form of a dam stretched out from the right side of the valley and stretched almost to the end. A landslide descended along it, blocking the flow of melt water from the glacier. This is how Lake Maashei was formed.
The lake was considered one of the most beautiful in Altai and was very popular among tourists.
The already shallow lake gradually became shallow, as the river carried with it a lot of eroded rock. Sometimes in winter the bottom became bare, but with the beginning of spring it filled with water again. Glacial feeding of the lake ensured the summer rise in water level. Most of the water accumulated during floods. The excess flowed over the dam. Here, Mazhoy continued with several sources.
On July 15, 2012, Lake Mashey ceased to exist. It rained heavily for several days. It provoked a powerful mudflow from the mountains, as a result of which the moraine ridge holding the water column broke through. Within a few hours, all the water was gone.
This event had eyewitnesses - tourists who were on an excursion to the Maashey glacier. They recorded the process with photos and videos. The YouTube video is called "The Disappearance of Lake Maashei." Currently, a river runs along the bottom of the lake, starting under the glacier. Its current here is very muddy due to the sedimentary bottom deposits of Lake Maashey. It is impossible to approach the riverbed - the place is swampy. Excursion groups continue to go to Lake Mazhoy. It is interesting to look at the dramatically changed shape of the relief. In addition, walking along the valley of the lake to the north, you can climb to the glacier, under which the tributary of one of the most beautiful rivers of Altai begins. Below the Maashi flows into the Chuya.
This picturesque lake was located in the Altai mountains, in the region of the North Chuysky ridge. The river of the same name flowed through the lake, and from its banks there was a picturesque view of the Big Maashey glacier and the snow-capped peaks of the ridge. Despite the remoteness and inaccessibility of the area where the lake was located, hundreds of tourists visited it every year. But 5 years ago the reservoir disappeared.
Lake Maashey was located at an altitude of 1984 meters. Its dimensions were small: 1.5 kilometers long and 400 meters wide. Nevertheless, it was one of the most beautiful lakes in Altai and was popular among travelers.
Interestingly, it was formed relatively recently, about 100 years ago as a result of a natural disaster. The Mashey (Mazhoy) River, on which the lake arose, flows from the Bolshaya Mashey glacier and carries its waters to the Chuya River. The length of the river is short, but it is known for its rapid flow. About 100 years ago, in the area of the future lake, a soil collapse occurred and a natural dam formed. An embankment dam blocked the valley of the Mazhoy River, and as a result of filling the basin, a magnificent lake was formed.
In July 2012, rainy weather settled in the area of the North Chuisky Range. The precipitation was so intense and prolonged that it led to the erosion of the natural dam. The embankment could not withstand the pressure of the elements, and Lake Mashey descended through the resulting ravine in just a few hours. A powerful water flow demolished a pedestrian bridge on the river downstream.
Today, the Mazhoy River flows on the site of the former lake, and soon the valley will look the same as it did two hundred years ago. In this video, a group of tourists managed to film how the water of Lake Mashey rushes down the valley, sweeping away everything in its path.
All roads to the Altai Mountains go through the city of Biysk, so the description will be from this city. The route looks like this:
The distance from Biysk is approximately 475 km. Of which 15 km will have to be walked.
GPS coordinates: 50.149656, 87.567927
In Biysk, after the bridge over the Biya, we drive straight, without turning anywhere. Beyond Biysk the historical part of the Chuysky tract will begin. The road is excellent asphalt, and right after Biysk there is a 4-lane road. True, it won’t take long, after 20 km it will become an ordinary two-lane one, but still of excellent quality. About 150 km after Biysk there will be a fork in front of the village of Ust-Sema. We take the main right along the M-52 highway to Tashanta. We cross Katun on a new bridge. We climb the Seminsky pass. Although this is the highest pass on the Chuysky tract, it is not technically difficult; you can easily overcome it in any car at any time of the year. The surface on the pass, as well as on the entire Chuysky tract, is excellent asphalt. After 80 km there will be another pass, one of the most beautiful and more difficult than Seminsky - the Chike-Taman pass. However, it can be easily overcome in any car at any time of the year. Beyond the village of Kupchegen the route goes along the Katun. We pass the village of Inya, followed by the confluence of the Chuya and the Katun. Now the Chuya tract will run along the Chuya River. We pass the village of Ak-Bom (White Bom) and the village of Chibit, after 7 km there will be a large village.
IMPORTANT! A trip to the former Lake Maashei and to nearby attractions (in particular,) is a very serious undertaking for an unprepared tourist! If you are a beginner and have never been to these parts, be sure to join an organized tour group and take with you an experienced tourist instructor or guide. The entire route passes through deserted highlands remote from civilization. The length of the route will be more than 50 km along rugged high mountain terrain, which is more than 5 days of autonomous existence in the wild. There is no cell service throughout the entire journey. The group must include mentally and physically prepared people. I strongly do not recommend taking children under 12 years old with you.
We pass Aktash, at 797 km of the Chuysky tract, on the right there will be the “Mena” camp site - the starting point of all walking or horse riding routes. You can drive further up to 801 km, shortening the journey by 5 km, but leaving the car unattended on the highway during the hike is not a good idea.
At the camp site you can hire horses to transport your belongings and walk lightly. You can organize a completely horse trek with a guide and instructor. If you have never sat in the saddle, at the base you will gain basic knowledge of how to move a horse and will be able to practice a little.
It is better to book a place on a camping trip before traveling to the Altai Mountains. There are many travel agencies that do this.
The tour to the former Lake Maashei is not limited to visiting only this place. The tour also includes visits to other interesting places.
From the camp site we go to the Chuya River, then downstream the river to the confluence of the Masha and Chuya rivers. We cross Chuyu on the old wooden bridge and move upstream of the Mashey River. We cross the Karakabak River and continue to climb upstream Masheya to the former lake. The distance from the Mena camp site is 20 km (2 days). The Maashey glacier, the source of the river, begins 5 km from the former lake.
IMPORTANT! Be sure to take warm clothes when going on a hike. Also, don’t forget personal hygiene products, sprays and ointments against mosquitoes and ticks, as well as a first aid kit with basic medications.
On average, they travel 10-20 km during daylight hours, depending on conditions. Overnight stays are organized at convenient sites along the route. The food is entirely your responsibility, you cook it yourself and eat it yourself :-)
Despite such a long and difficult route, the tour to the former lake Maashey and the Shavlinsky lakes is one of the most interesting tours in the Altai Mountains. Having passed it, you can confidently say that you have been to Altai!
Due to heavy rains and mudflows, the transverse moraine ridge of Lake Maashei was eroded, as a result of which the lake “flowed out” from its bed. According to tourists, this happened on July 17, 2012.
This event was preceded by heavy rains that had been falling in the mountains of the North Chuya Range since July 5. The precipitation led to a sharp increase in water levels, including in the Ak-Tru and Chuya rivers. Flows of water demolished the Oroi bridge on Chuya, and a powerful mudflow occurred in the area of the Akt-Tru glacier. On July 17, the moraine shaft that “propped up” Lake Maashey was washed out, and water flowed out of it.
Tourists who visited the lake area after this say that now a river flows along the bottom of the bed. The interlocutors of Gorny Altai News found it difficult to say whether it was possible to “restore” the lake.
Lake Maashey appeared about a hundred years ago, when a powerful landslide blocked the bed of the Mazhoy River. It is located in the North Chuysky ridge at an altitude of 1,984 m. It was 1.5 km long and up to 400 m wide. Near the lake are the Maashey, Kurkurek and Kurumbu glaciers.
The lake was considered one of the most beautiful in Altai and was very popular among tourists.
Photos by Alexander Kobotov and users of the Altai-Photo website
A river now flows along the bottom of the lake. Photo by Alexander Kobotov
Lake Maashey was located at an altitude of 1984 m in the valley of the Maashey River on the North Chuysky ridge.
In the upper reaches of the valley there is a modern glacier, 6 km from which there are several moraine ridges that testify to the ancient lower position of the glacier. Powerful ridge-tongues emerge from niches located on the sides of the main valley. One of these ridges, reaching a height of 30-40 m and about 700 m in width, practically blocks the entire valley. This powerful tongue of glacial-colluvial material consists of several generations and does not reach the right, steep, rocky slope of the valley only 40-50 m.
From this right slope a landslide came down, which formed a barrier to the flow of glacial waters, which led to the creation of Lake Maashei. Apparently, Lake Maashei appeared relatively recently (about 100 years ago). This could be judged by the flooded forest and the dry larch trunks that rose above the water until recently. Some larches above the water still retained branches. . By going around the lake along the western shore and following further along the Maashey bed, you can reach the Big Maashey glacier, from under which the river flows.
The lake is small, about 1.5 km long, 400 m wide. The water in it is muddy and gray in color. The depth of the lake did not exceed 3.5 m, but it gradually shallowed, filling with material brought by the river from the glacier and from the steep and high slopes of the valley. Often in winter and early spring the lake basin was drained and then the bottom of the lake was exposed. In summer, the lake level depended on the melting of glaciers. In years of strong melting, it increased, and with a decrease in runoff, on the contrary, it became less.
Excess water was filtered through the dam. The main outlets of the lake's waters were observed on the opposite side of the dam, and only one (not the most powerful) outlet was noted in the lower part of a narrow "valley" depression along the right slope of the valley. The Maashey (Mazhoy) River, one of the major tributaries of the Chuya River, begins from these outlets.
From the shores of the lake, the highest peaks of the North Chuya Range are clearly visible: Karagem Peak (3750 m) and Maashey Peak (4173 m).
Lake Maashey was an optimal place for lovers of mountain and hiking tourism; it offered the possibility of radial trips to the foot of the glaciers, visiting mountain lakes (including Shavlinsky) and waterfalls. A visit to the Maasha river valley, lake and glacier is carried out as part of combined tours (auto + tracking).
This is how M.V. describes this lake. Tronov, a famous glaciologist: “This lake is remarkably beautiful, the turquoise water of which reflects the majestic panorama of the sources of the Maasha. Along the edges it is framed by the bristles of dead tree trunks, sometimes sticking out of the water at a considerable distance from the shore.”
Used sources.