Soča pools at Deskle
Below the Ajba dam most of the Soča's water is diverted through tunnels to the Plave I and II hydropower plants, so at Deskle the old riverbed only fills fully during high water, which keeps two deep pools scoured out. The lower pool reaches about 11 m and the upper one, under the bridge to Anhovo, about 8 m. Between them lie the remains of an old bridge, and most fish life gathers in the upper pool. It is an easy, slow-river dive that the sheet especially recommends in winter, when visibility is better.
Facts
- Region: Slovenia – Lakes, Rivers & Caves
- Area: Soča Valley (Bovec – Kobarid – Solkan)
- Depth: 0–11 m
- Level: beginner
- Current: low
- Type: channel
- Coordinates: 46.0533, 13.60779
- Highlights: two connected river pools, remains of a former bridge, larger fish in the upper pool, fish fry and tadpoles in the shallows, WWI remains in the area
- Tips: Park on the left bank in Deskle just before the Anhovo bridge, or on the right bank by the exhibited piece of the Plave II penstock; tracks lead down to each pool. The full upstream dive from the lower pool takes about 1.5 hours; a short dive covers only the upper pool from the left bank. Best at medium-low water; current depends on the river level and hydropower operation. Visibility is usually poor, so bring a torch and compass. The sheet dates from 2014 – gravel moves and depths may have changed.