Usakhelo Lake

Usakhelo Lake (უსახელო ტბა – Usakhelo Tba), meaning “Nameless Lake,” refers to one of the three famed Abudelauri Lakes, specifically the one also known as the Green Lake (მწვანე ტბა – Mtsvane Tba). Nestled high in the Greater Caucasus Mountains within Georgia’s historical Khevsureti province (Mtskheta-Mtianeti region), this alpine lake lies at the foot of the imposing Chaukhi Massif. Situated at an elevation of approximately 2600 meters, it owes its existence to past glacial activity that carved out its basin. As its alternative name suggests, the lake is renowned for its distinct greenish hue, contrasting beautifully with the surrounding alpine meadows and the rocky peaks above. Usakhelo (Green) Lake is the lowest elevated and most easily accessible of the Abudelauri trio, making it a very popular destination for hikers exploring the area from the village of Roshka. It is part of a fragile high-altitude ecosystem offering breathtaking mountain scenery.

Identification and Location:

• Name of the Lake: Usakhelo Lake (უსახელო ტბა – Usakhelo Tba), meaning “Nameless Lake”. It is widely identified as the Green Lake (მწვანე ტბა – Mtsvane Tba) of the Abudelauri Lakes group.
• Location:
  • Country/Region: Georgia, Mtskheta-Mtianeti region (Dusheti Municipality), Khevsureti historical-geographical province.
  • Specific Location: On the southern slopes of the Chaukhi Massif, within the Abudelauri Lakes group, Greater Caucasus Mountains.
  • Nearest Major Landmark/Area: Chaukhi Massif, Abudelauri Blue Lake, Abudelauri White Lake, Roshka village.
  • Coordinates: Approximately 42.46∘N,44.96∘E.
  • Relationship to other bodies of water: One of the three main Abudelauri Lakes. It receives water from snowmelt, precipitation, and small streams from the Chaukhi slopes. It is the source of the Abudelauri River, which flows out of the lake and eventually joins the Roshka River (a tributary of the Pshavis Aragvi).

Physical Characteristics:

• Surface Area: Approximately 0.01 – 0.02 km2 (1-2 hectares).
• Maximum Depth: Relatively shallow, up to 3-4 meters deep.
• Average Depth: Shallow.
• Volume: Small.
• Elevation: Approximately $2600$ meters above sea level.
• Shoreline Length: Approximately 0.4 – 0.5 km.
• Water Source(s): Primarily snowmelt, seasonal rainfall, and inflow from small streams draining the surrounding mountain slopes.
• Outlet(s) (if any): Has a distinct surface outlet stream, the source of the Abudelauri River.
• Water Type: Freshwater.
• Basin Geology: Glacial origin. The lake occupies a basin carved by a glacier (a cirque) on the slopes of the Chaukhi Massif.

Ecological Information:

• Flora (Plant Life): Surrounded by vibrant subalpine and alpine meadows during summer. The lake’s characteristic green color is influenced by suspended glacial flour, specific types of algae, or dissolved minerals. Some aquatic vegetation is present in shallower areas.
• Fauna (Animal Life): The lake is naturally fishless due to its altitude and isolation. It supports populations of amphibians and cold-adapted aquatic invertebrates. The surrounding alpine environment is habitat for various bird species, chamois, and wild goats (tours) on the higher slopes.
• Trophic Level: Ranges from Oligotrophic (nutrient-poor) to Mesotrophic (moderate nutrients).
• Water Clarity: Variable; the distinct green color results in lower transparency compared to perfectly clear alpine lakes.
• Water Temperature: Remains cold year-round; the surface warms slightly in mid-summer. It is covered by ice and snow for several months, typically from November through May or early June.
• pH Levels: Near-neutral.
• Dissolved Oxygen Levels: Sufficient for the aquatic life present.
• Unique Ecological Features: Its distinct green color is its most notable feature, part of the unique “colored lakes” of Abudelauri. Represents a high-altitude glacial lake ecosystem.
• Conservation Status: Located in an ecologically sensitive high-mountain area popular for tourism. It benefits from its mountain setting but faces pressures from visitor numbers.
• Invasive Species: None known.

Human Interaction and Significance:

• Historical Significance: Situated within the historical region of Khevsureti, the area around the lakes served as traditional summer pastures. No specific major historical events are directly linked to the lake itself.
• Current Uses: Primarily tourism and recreation. It is a very popular destination for day hikes from Roshka village, camping, and landscape photography, often visited with the Blue and White Abudelauri Lakes. Not used for fishing or water supply.
• Environmental Issues: The main concerns relate to tourism impacts: trail erosion, waste management, and disturbance to vegetation from camping, particularly given its relative accessibility. Climate change effects on snow and glacial melt patterns are a long-term concern.
• Management and Conservation Efforts: Falls within a region of ecological importance. Management may involve local or national authorities focusing on sustainable tourism. Responsible visitor practices are crucial.
• Local Communities: The Abudelauri Lakes are a significant asset for local tourism, benefiting residents of Roshka village through guesthouses, guiding, and transport services.

Interesting or Unique Facts:

• Despite being commonly known as the Green Lake (Mtsvane Tba), it is very frequently referred to as Usakhelo Tba (“Nameless Lake”).
• It is famous for its striking green water, contrasting with the nearby intensely blue and milky white Abudelauri lakes.
• Located in a picturesque glacial cirque directly beneath the dramatic, rocky peaks of the Chaukhi Massif.
• It is the most easily reachable of the three Abudelauri Lakes via a well-established hiking path from Roshka village.