Angara
Major Siberian river draining Lake Baikal into the Yenisey.
The Angara is a major river in Siberia, Russia, flowing through Irkutsk Oblast and Krasnoyarsk Krai. It drains out of Lake Baikal and serves as the headwater tributary of the Yenisey, playing a key role in the region's hydroelectric power generation and historical transportation.
- source
- Lake Baikal
- mouth
- Yenisey River near Strelka
- major_cities
- Irkutsk, Angarsk, Bratsk, Ust-Ilimsk
- major_dams
- Irkutsk, Bratsk, Ust-Ilimsk, Boguchany
Lore & Background
The Angara leaves Lake Baikal near Listvyanka and flows north past Irkutsk, Angarsk, Bratsk, and Ust-Ilimsk. It then crosses the Angara Range, turns west into Krasnoyarsk Krai, and joins the Yenisey near Strelka, 40 km southeast of Lesosibirsk. Historically, the entire river below its confluence with the Ilim was known as the Lower or Nizhnyaya Angara, and also as the Upper Tunguska.
Reader's Guide
Since the 1950s, four major hydroelectric dams—Irkutsk, Bratsk, Ust-Ilimsk, and Boguchany—have been built on the Angara, creating large reservoirs that flooded villages, agricultural land, and historic sites such as the fort of Ilimsk. The construction drew criticism from Soviet intellectuals, notably writer Valentin Rasputin, for its impact on rural life. Today, navigation is limited to isolated sections, as none of the dams have ship locks or boat lifts, preventing through navigation from Lake Baikal to the Yenisey.
Did You Know?
- Historically, the entire river below the Ilim confluence was called the Lower Angara, and also the Upper Tunguska.
- Four major hydroelectric dams—Irkutsk, Bratsk, Ust-Ilimsk, and Boguchany—have been built on the river since the 1950s.
- None of the dams have ship locks or boat lifts, preventing continuous navigation from Lake Baikal to the Yenisey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Angara River?
The Angara is a major Siberian river in western Russia that carries water out of Lake Baikal and ultimately feeds into the Yenisey River system. It flows through Irkutsk Oblast and Krasnoyarsk Krai.
Where does the Angara begin and where does it end?
The river's source is Lake Baikal, and it discharges into the Yenisey near the settlement of Strelka. This makes it the primary outflow tributary of the world's deepest lake.
Which cities sit along the Angara?
The river passes through or near several significant Siberian cities, including Irkutsk, Angarsk, Bratsk, and Ust-Ilimsk. These towns grew largely around the river's industrial and transport infrastructure.
Why is the Angara important to Siberia?
The Angara is a critical source of hydroelectric power, with major dams at Irkutsk, Bratsk, Ust-Ilimsk, and Boguchany generating electricity for the region. Historically, it also served as a key waterway for transportation and trade across western Siberia.
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