Tsivi Tba

Tsivi Tba, the “Cold Lake,” is a high-altitude lake located on the starkly beautiful Keli Volcanic Plateau in the Greater Caucasus mountains of Georgia. Situated likely above 3000 meters (potentially around 3100m or ~10,170 ft), its name aptly describes its key characteristic: extremely cold water year-round due to the high elevation and harsh alpine climate. It’s part of a system of volcanic and potentially glacially-modified lakes found on the plateau, often visited alongside the larger, nearby Keli Lake.

The lake itself is likely small, fed by snowmelt, precipitation, and possibly underground springs typical of volcanic highlands. Its basin was formed by the region’s volcanic past, possibly modified by later glacial action. Surrounded by a barren, rocky landscape with sparse alpine tundra vegetation, Tsivi Tba offers a sense of profound remoteness and pristine wilderness.

Accessing Tsivi Tba is a serious undertaking, reserved for experienced trekkers and mountaineers prepared for multi-day expeditions in remote, high-altitude conditions. Routes typically involve crossing high passes and navigating the challenging terrain of the Keli Plateau, often starting from areas accessible from the Truso Valley or other nearby valleys. The region is characterized by unpredictable weather, the need for acclimatization, and potentially difficult logistics, sometimes complicated further by proximity to occupied territories. Due to the extreme altitude, the lake is frozen and covered in deep snow for the vast majority of the year, with a very short visiting window in high summer (likely late July to early September). Given the current date (April 26, 2025), Tsivi Tba and the Keli Plateau are completely inaccessible due to deep snow and ice.

Identification and Location:

• Name: Tsivi Tba (ცივი ტბა – Cold Lake). Note: May sometimes be confused with the larger Keli Lake (ყელის ტბა) located nearby on the same plateau.
• Location:
  • Country: Georgia
  • Region: Located on the Keli Volcanic Plateau, an area bordering Mtskheta-Mtianeti and Shida Kartli regions, and near the Administrative Boundary Line (ABL) with the Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia (occupied territory).
  • Municipality: Likely falls within Kazbegi, Dusheti, or potentially Akhalgori (occupied) municipalities depending on exact coordinates.
  • Nearest Major Landmark: Keli Volcanic Plateau, Keli Lake, Truso Valley (as an access point area). Very remote from major towns.
  • Coordinates: Precise coordinates require verification but are in a very high-altitude zone, likely around 42.4° N, 44.2° E vicinity.
• Relationship to other bodies of water: Part of the Keli Plateau lake system, situated near the larger Keli Lake. Fed by snowmelt/springs. Likely drains via seepage or small streams feeding headwaters of rivers originating from the plateau (potentially tributaries of Aragvi or Ksani rivers).

Physical Characteristics:

• Surface Area: Data unavailable; assumed to be small.
• Maximum Depth: Data unavailable.
• Average Depth: Data unavailable.
• Volume: Data unavailable.
• Elevation: Very high altitude, likely $\approx 3100\text{ m}$ (approx. 10,170 ft) or higher. Specific reliable data is scarce.
• Shoreline Length: Short; likely rocky and barren.
• Water Source(s): Snowmelt, precipitation, groundwater/springs.
• Outlet(s): Likely seepage or small intermittent stream.
• Water Type: Freshwater. Very cold.
• Basin Geology: Volcanic origin on the Keli Plateau, possibly modified by glacial processes.

Ecological Information:

• Flora (Plant Life): Sparse high-alpine tundra vegetation: grasses, mosses, lichens. Minimal to no aquatic vegetation expected due to extreme cold and short growing season.
• Fauna (Animal Life): Aquatic life likely limited to highly adapted invertebrates. Fish presence is extremely unlikely. May be visited by high-altitude birds. Surrounding plateau is remote habitat, potentially for species like tur.
• Trophic Level: Strongly Oligotrophic (very nutrient-poor).
• Water Clarity: Expected to be very high.
• Water Temperature: Extremely cold year-round. Frozen solid for most of the year (approx. October through June or even early July). Water temperature remains near freezing even in summer.
• pH Levels: Data unavailable.
• Dissolved Oxygen Levels: Data unavailable; likely high due to cold water.
• Unique Ecological Features: Extreme high-altitude volcanic/glacial lake ecosystem. Exceptionally cold water. Pristine, remote environment.
• Conservation Status: No specific designation, but located in a sensitive high-mountain ecosystem. Remoteness provides natural protection. Access may be limited due to terrain and proximity to ABL.
• Invasive Species: Extremely unlikely.

Human Interaction and Significance:

• Historical Significance: Likely known historically only to shepherds or hunters transiting the high plateau.
• Current Uses: Destination for highly experienced trekkers and mountaineers undertaking challenging expeditions across the Keli Plateau, often visiting multiple lakes in the area. Not suitable for general tourism.
• Environmental Issues: Minimal direct human impact due to extreme inaccessibility. Primary concerns relate to the fragility of the high-alpine ecosystem and natural hazards (weather, terrain, altitude).
• Management and Conservation Efforts: No formal management structure. Access dictated by natural conditions, extreme difficulty, and potentially by proximity to sensitive administrative boundaries. Requires careful planning and self-sufficiency.
• Local Communities: Very remote from permanent settlements. Interaction limited to potential encounters with seasonal shepherds on approach routes or engaging specialized mountain guides.

Interesting or Unique Facts:

• The name “Tsivi Tba” literally means “Cold Lake,” accurately reflecting its key characteristic.
• Located on the high-altitude Keli Volcanic Plateau, known for its unique geology and harsh environment.
• Often visited in conjunction with the larger Keli Lake during challenging multi-day treks.
• Requires significant mountaineering/trekking experience, acclimatization, and logistical planning.
• Frozen and snow-covered for the vast majority of the year.
• Proximity to the ABL with Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia requires awareness and caution depending on the chosen route.