a river in Novgorod Oblast, RSFSR. The Pola is 267 km long and drains an area of 7,420 sq km. It rises on the northwestern slopes of the Valdai Hills and, after joining the Lovat’ River in its lower course, empties into Lake Il’men’. It is fed primarily by snow. There is high water in the spring and low water in the summer and fall. The mean flow rate is 63 cu m per sec. The Pola freezes in November or December, and the ice breaks up in March or April. The river is used for floating timber.