Ovan Lake
| Ovan Lake | |
|---|---|
 Ovan Lake and surrounding mountains | |
| Location | Alamut |
| Coordinates | 36°28′58″N 50°26′37″E / 36.48278°N 50.44361°E |
| Primary inflows | Ovan stream and the springs underneath of the lake |
| Primary outflows | A stream to farmlands |
| Basin countries | Iran |
| Surface area | 70,000 m2 (17 acres) |
| Max. depth | 7.5 m (25 ft) |
| Surface elevation | 1,800 m (5,900 ft) |
Ovan lake (also known as Evan lake) (Persian: اوان) is a small alpine lake in Alamut region of Alburz range, in Qazvin province of Iran. The centre point of the lake is approximately located at 36°28′58.98″N 50°26′37.39″E / 36.4830500°N 50.4437194°E. The only tributary that flows into the lake, is a stream with the same name, Ovan, coming down from northern mounts. The north of the lake is also surrounded by three small villages, namely from east to west: Varbon, Ovan and Zar-abaad.
Hydrology
Because of the heavy seasonal rainfall and snowfall in the winters, which at times reaches a few meters, it has numerous water resources. Surrounded by Avan, Varbon, Zavardasht and Zar-abaad villages, the lake is located in an altitude of 1800 meters above sea level, its maximum length is 325 meters, and it has a width of 275 meters. The deepest section of the lake is 7.5 meters and extends over 70,000 square meters. The water of Ovan lake is provided from rainwater and also the ever-gushing springs in its ground which results in very clean and transparent clear water. The excess water of the lake which is actually overflow of this lake forms a small river which irrigates farmlands in the villages of Kushk and Ain. Most residents of these two villages either breed livestock or work their land. Ovan Lake is suitable for fishing, swimming and riding boats in summer while in fall it hosts migratory birds such as swan, goose and duck. In winter, the lake can be used for sports such as skiing and ice skating while its surface becomes slippery with ice in winter.[1]
Ecology
Having covered an area of 70 thousand square meters, Ovan Lake is the largest in Qazvin province. There in the lake also live fishes like salmon, carp, and pike in addition to plants like everglade and reed that grow in its vicinity. Thanks to these beauties and natural potentials, Ovan Lake is recorded as one of the most significant tourist poles in Qazvin province and is frequented by many visitors from around the country and all over the world during the whole year especially on holidays and in summer. The fact that it is being visited by tourists and travelers has helped locals economically in various ways.[2]
Access to the lake
The lake can be reached via a road which connects Qazvin to East Alamut. Starting from the south towards the north, there is village at beginning of the road, called Shinqor. After passing a relatively high hill there is a flat area called Rajaee-dasht. A few kilometers after this point, where the road branches off, the Moalem-kalaye road should be taken. At the last fork, there is a narrow road towards the north which directly goes to the lake.
