description Shchel Geyser Overview
help Shchel Geyser FAQ
Where is Shchel Geyser?
Shchel is in the Valley of Geysers on Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, inside the Kronotsky State Biosphere Reserve. It is one of the named geysers along the Geysernaya River. [Kronotsky Reserve guide](https://kamchatkatravers.ru/en/kamchatka/oopt/kron.php)
What does the name Shchel mean?
The Russian word щель means a slot, crack, or fissure, and the name refers to the geyser's narrow, slit-like vent. Travel sources also translate Shchel as Slot. [Valley of Geysers information](https://www.na-kamchatku.ru/o-kamchatke/dolina-geyzerov/)
Was Shchel Geyser affected by the 2007 landslide?
Yes. A landslide created a dammed lake that flooded Shchel, but after the lake level fell and the dam broke, the geyser resumed activity. [Kamchatka protected areas association](https://wildkamchatka.ru/%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%B3%D0%B5%D0%B9%D0%B7%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B2/)
Does Shchel Geyser erupt like Velikan?
Not in the same way: Shchel is described as sending water and steam almost parallel to the ground, giving it a slot-like profile. Velikan, whose name means Giant, is the Valley of Geysers' larger vertical showpiece, with water jets reported at around 40 metres. [Kamchatka geyser guide](https://kamchatkatravers.ru/en/kamchatka/oopt/kron.php)
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