a river in Kalinin and Novgorod oblasts, RSFSR. It is 445 km long and drains an area of 23,300 sq km. The Msta River rises in Lake Mstino; there are rapids where the river crosses the Valdai Hills. The lower course is in the Priil’men’ Lowlands. The river falls into Lake Il’men’, forming a vast delta. It is fed by mixed sources, predominantly by snow. The mean flow rate 84 km from the mouth is 202 cu m per sec; the flow is regulated. The Msta River freezes in late November or early December and thaws in April. Its tributaries are the Berezaika (left) and Uver’ (right). The Msta is part of the Vyshniivolok Water System. The river is used for floating timber; it is navigable below the mouth of the Kholova River (92 km). The city of Borovichi is on the Msta. There is tourism in the area.