Kinneret Rises After Heavy Rains, Approaching Maximum Level

By Aryeh Stern

Following the recent heavy rainfall of gishmei brachah, the Kinneret is experiencing a rapid rise, increasing by 5 centimeters (2 inches) since Thursday.

Currently, the lake is 2.415 meters below its maximum level of 208.80 meters below sea level, as reported by the Kinneret Authority. While the water level is increasing, significant additional rainfall over the next three months is required for the Kinneret to reach its maximum level this year.

The Israel Water Authority might need to open the Deganya dam at the southern end of the lake to prevent flooding if this occurs. The dam has not been opened since 1992.

Comparatively, at this time last year, the Kinneret was 1.75 meters from its maximum level but fell short.

In December 2022, the Reverse Water Carrier project was initiated by Mekorot Israel National Water Co. and the Israel Water Authority in the north. The project aims to channel desalinated water from the Mediterranean Sea to the Kinneret, maintaining its level during dry and low rainfall years. Despite the current rise in the lake’s water level, heavy snowfall in Mount Hermon and the Golan Heights in the past week has mitigated concerns of a drought year.

Rainfall data for the winter indicates positive figures, with Tzfas receiving 387 millimeters (over 50% of its average annual rainfall), Haifa with 420 millimeters (76% of its average annual rainfall), Tel Aviv at 236 millimeters (42% of its average annual rainfall), Yerushalayim with 276 millimeters (47% of its average annual rainfall), and Be’er Sheva at 55 millimeters (27% of its annual average rainfall).