Dry in the Bieszczady. The bottom is visible in the San

High temperatures and lack of rainfall contribute to falling water levels in many Polish rivers. In the case of the San, another factor also plays a significant role – the operating regime of the reservoir. The low water level in Lake Solina has caused the riverbed to be visible in Rajskie, in the Solina commune. Will the situation repeat itself from 2022, when it was possible to cross to the other bank here almost with dry feet?

The San has almost dried up in Rajskie

The water level in the San, the largest river feeding Lake Solina, affects the condition of the waters in the artificial reservoir. However, the relationship between these two bodies also works in the other direction. The section of the San in Rajskie is a backwater zone.

Normally, the water in Lake Solina floods part of the riverbed above the dam, seeking to equalize levels. When there is little water in the reservoir, backflow does not occur – and that is exactly the situation observed for the past several days. Most of the riverbed is exposed, and the San flows in a narrow and shallow channel.

Low water levels on the San in Rajskie are a situation that occurs almost every year. This was the case, for example, three years ago. As reported by the portal wBieszczady.pl, in 2024 the water level was even lower than it is now.

Low but stable levels

At all measurement stations on the San, from Dwernik to Przemyśl, IMGW-PIB has recorded low-level zones. In Dwernik, today’s water level (85 cm) is only slightly higher than the absolute minimum from 2003 and 2022. In most cases, however, the situation is stable – since the last measurements, the river’s level has dropped only slightly or not at all.

On Monday, the Baligród Forest District also reported drought in forests and low levels in mountain streams. Foresters pointed out that in many places more stones than water are visible in the riverbeds. An additional problem is the high temperature and lack of oxygen in the water – conditions that are deadly for fish.

The hydrological situation on the San is difficult, but not exceptional on a national scale. In recent days, there have been many reports of low water levels in Polish rivers. At the end of August, we reported on the record low water level in the Vistula.

What’s next? Weather forecasts for the Bieszczady for the coming days

There is a chance that the hydrological situation on the San and other rivers in the Bieszczady will improve somewhat. This is indicated by the IMGW-PIB forecasts for the coming days. Rain is expected as early as Saturday, and thunderstorms are possible. Rainfall is also forecast for Monday, September 8. However, high air temperatures of up to 31°C will persist. Such weather will promote water evaporation, so it may turn out that the rainfall will not be sufficient to improve the situation.

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main photo credit: Kamil Mielnikiewicz/wBieszczady.pl