Workers from the Slovak Water Management Enterprise removed accumulated sediment from the reservoir.
The fire-fighting reservoir at the end of Ľubochnianska Valley was built by the state enterprise Lesy SR, Liptovský Hrádok branch, in 2009. The total water surface of the reservoir is 0.50 ha with a retention capacity of 8,012 m3 of water. The dam height is 7 m. The construction also included a new outlet, a chute, a fish ladder, and log cross-thresholds. Since these cross-thresholds were significantly clogged with sediment, the Veľká Fatra National Park Administration, in cooperation with the Slovak Water Management Enterprise, Ružomberok workplace, proceeded to clean them.
“We regularly cut down self-seeded saplings, repaired a faulty valve, and fixed any issues uncovered during inspections. We also carry out mandatory monthly monitoring of the reservoir’s condition, technical equipment, and flow rates, and one of our duties includes clearing debris and sediment from the reservoir and the log check dams,” said Ivan Šupolík, head of the Ecosystem Care Department at the Veľká Fatra National Park Administration.
The reservoir was cleared by the state enterprise Slovak Water Management Enterprise (SVP). “At the Vyšný Tajch firefighting reservoir in Ľubochnianska Valley, we carried out periodic maintenance on the sediment retention baffles, which are designed to capture drift material and trap silt. We carry out this work depending on how clogged the baffles are. Regular maintenance helps preserve the reservoir’s retention capacity and improves conditions for both aquatic and surrounding ecosystems. We are carrying out this measure in cooperation with the Veľká Fatra National Park Administration, emphasizing responsible stewardship of water resources and the natural environment,” stated PR manager Tomáš Januš from the SVP Director General’s Office.
An original historic reservoir dating back to the 19th century once stood on the site of the current reservoir, used for timber floating before the forest railway was introduced. Lesy SR decided to build a new firefighting reservoir following their experience fighting a wildfire in the area in July 2007, which was hampered by a lack of firefighting water. The reservoir was officially opened on July 30, 2009. Management of the reservoir was transferred to the Veľká Fatra National Park through delimitation in 2024.
