Kinneret Approaches Full Capacity After Wet Winter

By Aryeh Stern

Following substantial gishmei brachah in the month of February, the Kinneret is now less than 1 meter from its maximum level. The lake has risen nearly 1 meter in the past month and currently stands at 87.5 centimeters from its peak level of 208.80 meters below sea level, as reported by the Kinneret Authority on Wednesday.

Despite this progress, additional heavy rain in late winter and early spring is required for the Kinneret to reach its maximum level for the first time since 1992. Last year, the lake fell significantly short, failing to even reach 1 meter from its maximum level.

Northern and central Israel have already exceeded their average annual rainfall, while Yerushalayim and southern Israel experienced a below-average year.

Tzfas, for instance, has received 795 millimeters of rain so far this winter, representing 113% of its average annual rainfall. Haifa received 853 millimeters (133% of average), Tel Aviv 608 millimeters (137% of average), Yerushalayim 379 millimeters (73% of average), and Be’er Sheva 102 millimeters (53% of average).