Rila Monastery Nature Park Management Plan - part - usaid

February 2004
Rila Monastery Nature Park
Hydrographic Characteristics and Hydrotechnical Infrastructure
The map presents the principal and secondary watersheds, as well as the river
network, the lakes and water reservoirs within the Park. An analysis of the
distribution of water resources is crucial to an accurate assessment of the state and
condition of natural ecosystems. It is characteristic of the territory of RMNP that in
both the northern and the southern portions of the Park the river networks are of
approximately equal density.
Indicated on the map are the locations of the three hydrometric stations: at
Veli Lak mini-powerhouse, at the point of confluence of the rivers Iliyna and
Manastirska, and at Kalin Dam; also marked are the locations of all hydropower
stations within the Park territory. Outlined on the map are the under- and aboveground
routes of canals and diversions (e.g., at Elevation 2000), used to divert waters
from the Park watershed to the Belmeken-Sestrimo Hydropower Cascade, while
supplying water to the hydropower stations of the Rila group.
A total of 26 high-mountain glacial lakes are scattered throughout the eastern
portion of the Park. Some of these are: Ribni Lakes, Smradlivoto Lake, and
Djendemski Lakes, all located in the 2,300 to 2,500 m. altitude zone. These lakes feed
a number of streams and rivers, forming the largest river systems in the territory:
Rilska, Iliyna, Dyavolska a.o. Of these lakes, only Suhoto (Dry) Lake dries up
seasonally and has no visible discharge into a water stream.
The remaining object categories are as per the Base Map.
Digital models compiled by Agrolesproject PLC, as well as information from
Dams and Cascades PLC, have served as the basis for drawing up this map.
Rila Monastery Nature Park
Management Plan - Draft
2004 - 2013