'Luknja' hole in the Soča at Plave
Under the road bridge at Plave the Soča, during floods, has drilled a deep hole into the bedrock that can reach about 24 m depending on gravel deposits. The Solkan hydropower reservoir backs up the river here, so at suitable low water the current is barely noticeable. The riverbed is mostly bare gravel between rocky banks, with a few trout and chub and some WWI remains. Water is about 4 °C in winter and 16 °C in summer, and visibility is usually poor (better in winter).
Facts
- Region: Slovenia – Lakes, Rivers & Caves
- Area: Soča Valley (Bovec – Kobarid – Solkan)
- Depth: 0–24 m
- Level: intermediate
- Current: low
- Type: channel
- Coordinates: 46.03921, 13.58986
- Highlights: natural rock hole up to ~24 m deep, trout, chub, WWI remains, rocky banks
- Tips: The hole is deep, dark and cold – plan gas and thermal protection as for a deep lake dive, and carry a torch. Basic current skills recommended; no night dives (poor visibility). Compressors listed by the atlas: DPD Soča Nova Gorica and PGD Kanal.