Isel (river)
| Isel | |
|---|---|
The river Isel in Virgen, East Tyrol. The Klaunzer Berg is visible in the background | |
Elevation profile and catchment area of the Isel in East Tyrol | |
| Location | |
| Country | Austria |
| State | East Tyrol |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | |
| • coordinates | 47°2′42″N 12°13′42″E / 47.04500°N 12.22833°E |
| • elevation | 2,400 metres (7,900 ft) |
| Mouth | Drava |
• location | Lienz |
• coordinates | 46°49′44″N 12°46′33″E / 46.82889°N 12.77583°E |
• elevation | 673 metres (2,208 ft) |
| Length | 57.3 kilometres (35.6 mi) |
| Basin size | 1,200.86 square kilometres (463.65 sq mi) |
| Discharge | |
| • location | Drava |
| • average | 39 cubic metres per second (1,400 cu ft/s) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Danube |
| Tributaries | |
| • left | Maurerbach, Mullitzbach, Tauernbach, Kalserbach |
| • right | Lasnitzenbach, Steinkasbach, Schwarzach, Michelbach |
The Isel (German pronunciation: [ˈiːzl̩] ⓘ) is a 57.3 kilometres (35.6 mi) glacier-fed river in East Tyrol, Austria. The river flow varies with daily and seasonal temperature changes, and the riverbed is constantly shifting, creating a unique environment. The river's course runs along a geological fault running from NW to SE. It held a glacier during the last ice age, which has left boulders and gravel along the valley. There have been various proposals to dam and divert the water for use in generating hydroelectricity which have been opposed by environmentalists. Since 2015 the river has been designated a Natura 2000 site, which offers some protection. There is a hiking trail along the river, and it is known for excellent whitewater rafting conditions.