The origin of the name is uncertain. The name probably originated in the 14th century and was derived from the old Czech verbs klabati ('to cut down') or klábati ('to chatter'). There is also a theory that the name has its root in the Slovenian word klabotina, i.e. 'alluvium'. The village of Klabava was named after the river.[1]
The Klabava originates in the territory of Věšín in the Brdy Highlands at an elevation of 760 m (2,490 ft) and flows to Oslov, where it enters the Berounka River at an elevation of 285 m (935 ft). It is 51.2 km (31.8 mi) long. Its drainage basin has an area of 373.1 km2 (144.1 sq mi).[2]
There are 245 bodies of water in the basin area. The largest of them is the fishpond Hořejší Padrťský rybník with an area of 78.8 ha (195 acres), supplied by several small tributaries of the Klabava.[2] Two reservoirs are built on the lower course of the river: Klabava and Ejpovice.
The Klabava Reservoir was built in 1957. The flooded area is 128 ha (320 acres). The original purpose was to divert the river for iron ore mining, but after mining ended and the quarry flooded in 1975, the reservoir lost its purpose. Today it is used to ensure minimum flow of the river, for recreation, fishing and flood protection.[4]
The Ejpovice Reservoir has an area of 44 ha (110 acres). It was created by the flooding of the quarry after the iron ore mining ceased in 1967. It is used for recreation and sports.[5]
Protection of nature
The upper course of the river flows through the Brdy Protected Landscape Area.
Tourism
The Klabava is occasionally suitable for river tourism, but only in spring or after heavy rains. About 15 km (9 mi) of the river is navigable.[6]
