Kardzhali Reservoir Explained

Kardzhali Dam
Name Official:Kardzhali Dam
Dam Crosses:Arda River
Location:Kardzhali / Kardzhali Province, Bulgaria
Coordinates:41.6336°N 25.3406°W
Dam Type:AG
Dam Length:402.89m (1,321.82feet)
Dam Height:103.5m (339.6feet)
Dam Elevation Crest:331.45m (1,087.43feet)
Spillway Type:4 Spill valves
4 Gates
Spillway Capacity:Valves: 3100m3/s
Gates: 880m3/s
Construction Began:1957
Opening:1963
Purpose:Power generation, flood control, water storage, recreation
Status:O
Owner:Bulgarian Government
Operator:NEK EAD
Res Name:Kardzhali Reservoir
Res Capacity Total:539900000m2
Res Catchment:1882km2
Res Surface:16.07km2
Res Elevation:324.3m (1,064feet)
Plant Operator:NEK EAD
Plant Hydraulic Head:93m (305feet) maximum
Plant Turbines:4
Plant Capacity:106 MW
Plant Annual Gen:160 million kWh

The Kardzhali Reservoir is a reservoir formed by the Kardzhali Dam, situated less than 1 km to the west of the town of Kardzhali in Kardzhali Province, Bulgaria. It is the second largest reservoir by volume in the country.

The construction of the dam started in 1957 and it was commissioned into service in 1963. The reservoir has water catchment area of 1182 km2 and maximum volume of 539.9 million m3. When it is filled to its maximum capacity, the reservoir covers area of 16.07 km2 and its surface has elevation of 324.3 meters above sea level. The hydroelectric power plant is situated at the foot of the dam.

The reservoir was recently seeded artificially with European perch. The fish was taken from the Ovcharitsa reservoir.

The first historical moment of the reservoir was in the 1970s, when it was artificially seeded with catfish. Nowadays there are 100 kg representatives. Later, 45,000 carp were introduced into the reservoir as well.

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