Karakeche (river)

Karakeche
Native name	Каракече (Kyrgyz)
Location
Country	Kyrgyzstan
Region	Naryn Region
Physical characteristics
Source
• location	Northern slope of the Moldo Too
Mouth	Jumgal
Length	45 km (28 mi)
Basin size	184 km2 (71 sq mi)
Discharge
• average	1.1 to 1.5 m3/s (39 to 53 cu ft/s)

The Karakeche (Kyrgyz: Каракече), also spelled Kara-Keche, is a river in Kyrgyzstan. It is a left tributary of the Jumgal, although its water is diverted for irrigation before reaching that river. It is 45 kilometres (28 mi) long and drains a basin of 184 square kilometres (71 sq mi).

Course

The Karakeche originates on the northern slope of the Moldo Too and flows northwards. Its valley is relatively narrow in the upper reaches and widens downstream. In its lower reaches, the channel divides into branches and the surrounding area is marshy. Its water is diverted for irrigation before reaching the Jumgal.

Hydrology

The river is 45 kilometres (28 mi) long and has a drainage basin of 184 square kilometres (71 sq mi). Its mean annual discharge is 1.1 to 1.5 cubic metres per second (39 to 53 cu ft/s). Discharge is highest in June and July and lowest in December and January. Water levels begin to rise in May and recede in September.

Environmental issues

A study published in 2022 identified mining waste dumps and windblown coal dust from the Kara-Keche lignite deposit as sources of pollution in local watercourses.

In September 2020, a large landslide blocked the Karakeche river channel, damaged power lines and obstructed the Dyikan–Kara-Keche road. No casualties were reported.

References