Sheksna Reservoir

Lake Sheksna Reservoir, prominently situated in Vologda Oblast of Russia, is an expansive water reservoir on the Sheksna River and Lake Beloye. It encompasses several districts, including Belozersky, Vashkinsky, Kirillovsky, and Sheksninsky. The reservoir was created by the construction of the Sheksna Hydropower Plant dam, located near the urban-type settlement of Sheksna.

With a surface area of 1,670 square kilometers (640 sq mi), an average depth of 17 meters (56 ft), and a water volume of 6.5 cubic kilometers (1.6 cu mi), the Sheksna Reservoir is a significant water body in the region. It plays a crucial role in the Volga–Baltic Waterway, serving both cruise and cargo traffic. The reservoir is connected to other water systems through the Northern Dvina Canal and the Belozersky Canal, facilitating transportation and trade.

The history of the Sheksna Reservoir is closely tied to the development of waterways in the region. In the early 19th century, the Mariinsky Canal system was constructed to connect the river basins of the Volga and the Neva via Lake Onega. While this system was heavily utilized, it eventually became inadequate for the growing cargo traffic in the 20th century. This led to the decision to reconstruct the old system, leading to the creation of the Volga–Baltic Waterway, with the Sheksna dam being a crucial component of this project. The construction of this project took place in 1963–1964, with the reservoir dam stretching 1,100 meters (3,600 ft) and featuring 2 locks. The lower pound of the dam leads into the vast Rybinsk Reservoir.

The Sheksna Reservoir is not only a hub for transportation and energy but also a scenic area with the towns of Belozersk and Kirillov located on its shores. The reservoir transitions from a narrow river upstream of Sheksna, widening further upstream, offering a picturesque landscape. The Sheksna Reservoir stands today as a testament to human ingenuity in harnessing natural resources for energy, transportation, and regional development.