The reservoirs are overflowing (and the thaw is yet to come)

BarcelonaThe rainy season is subsiding in Catalonia, but Civil Protection is maintaining its alert due to high river levels, and the Catalan Water Agency (ACA) is opting for controlled releases into the hydrological system, especially the Ter River, to manage water levels and ensure the safety of reservoirs—there is no mechanism in place to do so. Currently, the total capacity of Catalan water reserves has reached 92.10%, and in some cases, maximum storage capacity has been exceeded. This is the case with the Foix reservoir (100.5%) and Susqueda, which is currently at 102.5% and has once again overflowed its spillway, a sight that had become rare in the last decade. Sau is also nearing its limit (at 99%), as is Darnius-Boadella (96.4%). And a month ago, Llosa del Cavall (now at 100.9%) began in release the water through the spillwayforming a continuous cascade of 2,000 liters per second from a height of 112 meters.

The rains of the last few days have finally filled reservoirs, leaving the drought behind. And this is no coincidence: Catalonia had not experienced such a rainy winter in thirty years, with continuous and abundant rainfall that offered no respite. Therefore, the technicians from the Catalan Water Agency (ACA), who monitor water reserves daily, have carried out water release operations at various points since January, now primarily in the Ter system. A situation unthinkable just a year ago, when the consequences of the historic drought that lasted more than three years were still being felt.

This Saturday, in coordination with Endesa, the release of 250 m³/s began, the highest figure since 2018 (276 m³/s), although still far from the 450 m³/s of 2014. Susqueda can release water in three ways. The most common systems are through the diffuser, which releases water in a jet through the dam and the lower turbines. In this case, however, the Catalan Water Agency (ACA) has decided to use the spillway system, meaning that the water falls by gravity from above, since the reservoir is completely full. This creates a (manufactured) waterfall that allows the reservoir level to be regulated.

Soaring Flow Rates

The water releases are being carried out in anticipation of more snowfall during the Pyrenees snowmelt. This winter, Catalonia has experienced several storms and heavy rainfall, resulting in abundant snowfall and significant accumulations in the high mountains, in some cases between 1 and 2 meters. This has made it one of the snowiest seasons in recent years in several areas of the Pyrenees. As the thaw progresses, the reservoirs will receive even more water. But the other major reason is the recent rains, which have caused a surge in the flow of many rivers throughout the region. In fact, this Saturday, the danger level remains in place on the Muga River, near Boadella d'Empordà (Alt Empordà), and on the Ter River, in Sant Joan de les Abadesses (Ripollès). Very high flows are also being recorded in rivers such as the Fluvià, Tordera, Daró, and Gaià.

Meteocat has indicated that, despite the fact that the storm Regina Although the storm has weakened, some showers are still expected in the southern regions of the country. Therefore, Civil Protection will maintain the alert phase of the Special Emergency Plan for Floods in Catalonia (Inuncat) until the trend is clearly downward and normal hydrological conditions are restored. So far, rainfall over the last two days has reached 234 liters in Puig Sesolles (Vallès Oriental), 201 liters in Viladrau (Osona), and 193 liters in the Els Ports Natural Park (Baix Ebre).