A lake that no longer exists: how Maashi Lake died in a few hours in Altai

This picturesque lake was located in the mountains of Altai, in the region of the North Chuysky ridge. A river of the same name flowed through the lake, and from its banks a picturesque view of the Big Maashi glacier and the snowy peaks of the ridge opened. Despite the remoteness and inaccessibility of the area where the lake was located, hundreds of tourists visited it annually. But 5 years ago the reservoir was gone.

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 with travelers.

Interestingly, it was formed relatively recently, about 100 years ago as a result of a natural disaster. The Masha River (Mazha), on which the lake originated, flows out of the Bolshoi Masha Lake and carries its waters to the Chuya River. The length of the river is small, but it is known for its rapid flow. About 100 years ago, in the area of the future lake, the soil collapsed and a natural dam formed. A bulk 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 set in the area of the North Chuy Range. Precipitation was so intense and prolonged that it eroded the natural dam. The embankment could not withstand the pressure of the elements, and Lake Masha went down through the resulting ravine in just a few hours. A powerful water stream demolished the footbridge on the river downstream.

Today, on the site of the former lake, the Mazhoy River flows, and soon the valley will look the same as two hundred years ago. In this video, a group of tourists managed to shoot how the water of Lake Masha rushes down the valley, sweeping away everything in its path.