Kelitsadi Lake

Kelitsadi Lake (ყელის ტბა – Keli Tba) reigns as the largest and deepest lake on the Keli Volcanic Highland, a stunning high-altitude plateau within Georgia’s Greater Caucasus range. Situated at an impressive elevation of around 3300 meters, this significant freshwater body owes its existence to the area’s volcanic past, its basin sculpted by ancient lava flows damming meltwater. Kelitsadi is remarkable not only for its substantial size (over 1 km2) and dramatic alpine surroundings but also for its considerable depth (around 60-70 meters). The lake endures extreme conditions, including frigid temperatures, sparse surrounding vegetation, and extensive ice cover for more than half the year. Reaching Kelitsadi requires a demanding multi-day trek across remote, rugged terrain, establishing it as a prime objective for seasoned hikers, mountaineers, and photographers seeking pristine wilderness. This inherent inaccessibility has preserved its natural character, offering a unique window into a high-altitude volcanic lake ecosystem.

Identification and Location:

• Name of the Lake: Kelitsadi Lake (ყელის ტბა – Keli Tba). Also widely known as Keli Lake. Sometimes called Didi Keli Tba (დიდი ყელის ტბა – Big Keli Lake).
• Location:
  • Country/Region: Georgia, Mtskheta-Mtianeti region (administered by Kazbegi Municipality). Lies near the administrative boundary line with Akhalgori Municipality (Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia – status disputed).
  • Specific Location: Occupies a central position on the Keli Volcanic Highland, Greater Caucasus Mountains.
  • Nearest Major Landmark/Area: Keli Volcanic Highland, Truso Valley, Kazbegi (Stepantsminda).
  • Coordinates: Approximately 42.51∘N,44.29∘E.
  • Relationship to other bodies of water: The principal lake of the Keli Lake group on the volcanic plateau, located near Patara Kelitsadi (Little Keli) Lake. Drainage occurs primarily via subterranean seepage through the permeable volcanic rock, potentially contributing to the headwaters of rivers like the Ksani. A significant, permanent surface river outlet is absent.

Physical Characteristics:

• Surface Area: Approximately $1.28$ km2.
• Maximum Depth: Reaches a significant depth of about $63$ meters.
• Average Depth: Approximately $24.7$ meters.
• Volume: Considerable, around $31.6$ million cubic meters.
• Elevation: Very high altitude, approximately $3300$ meters above sea level (though some sources place the specific elevation slightly lower, around 2914m based on older data or specific measurement points).
• Shoreline Length: Approximately $4.5-5$ km.
• Water Source(s): Fed mainly by snowmelt, seasonal precipitation, and groundwater springs emerging through the volcanic highland’s strata.
• Outlet(s) (if any): Drainage is predominantly subterranean through volcanic rock. Minor surface outflow may occur during peak melt seasons.
• Water Type: Freshwater.
• Basin Geology: Volcanic origin; the lake fills a depression dammed by ancient lava flows on the Keli Volcanic Highland.

Ecological Information:

• Flora (Plant Life): The immediate vicinity features sparse alpine meadows. Aquatic vegetation within the lake is minimal to non-existent due to the extreme cold, high altitude, nutrient-poor water, and long ice cover duration.
• Fauna (Animal Life): The lake is naturally fishless due to its altitude, isolation, low temperatures, and prolonged freezing. It supports cold-adapted aquatic invertebrates. The surrounding Keli Highland hosts mammals like chamois and wild goats (tours), along with various high-altitude birds, including Caucasian Snowcock and birds of prey.
• Trophic Level: Oligotrophic (nutrient-poor).
• Water Clarity: Exhibits very high water transparency.
• Water Temperature: Remains extremely cold year-round. The lake is ice-covered for 6-7 months or longer, generally from late autumn (Oct/Nov) until early summer (June/July).
• pH Levels: Near-neutral.
• Dissolved Oxygen Levels: High throughout the water column due to low temperatures and minimal biological decomposition.
• Unique Ecological Features: A large, deep, high-altitude volcanic lake ecosystem, unique to the Keli Highland.
• Conservation Status: Located in a remote wilderness near a disputed administrative boundary. Lacks formal park designation but is protected de facto by its inaccessibility. The Keli Highland is recognized as an ecologically significant area.
• Invasive Species: None known; unlikely due to isolation and harsh conditions.

Human Interaction and Significance:

• Historical Significance: The highlands were historically used for seasonal grazing. No major specific historical events or structures are tied directly to Kelitsadi Lake. Its primary significance is its preserved natural state.
• Current Uses: Wilderness recreation is the sole use. It’s a major destination for challenging multi-day treks, mountaineering, backcountry camping, and landscape photography. Unsuitable for swimming (extreme cold), fishing (fishless), or regular boating (access difficulty). Not used for water supply.
• Environmental Issues: Potential impacts stem from unregulated tourism (waste, erosion). Climate change represents a long-term threat to the fragile alpine ecosystem. The proximity to the administrative boundary line presents geopolitical sensitivities.
• Management and Conservation Efforts: Minimal formal management exists. Conservation depends on responsible visitor behaviour. Access may require permits or be restricted due to border zone regulations.
• Local Communities: Far from permanent settlements. Primarily relevant to adventure tourism operators and trekkers based in nearby regions like Kazbegi.

Interesting or Unique Facts:

• Kelitsadi Lake is the largest and deepest lake on the Keli Volcanic Highland.
• It is one of the highest major lakes in Georgia and the Caucasus, situated around 3300 meters.
• Its significant depth (~63 meters) is notable for a volcanic lake at such an altitude.
• The lake is frozen solid for over half the year, typically accessible only between July and September.
• It offers breathtaking, starkly beautiful alpine scenery in a remote wilderness setting.