Rapid Mountain Thaw Doubles Water Flow in San Juan Rivers
Rising temperatures and high mountain snowmelt have caused the flow of local rivers to double within a fortnight, prompting safety and flood monitoring measures.
The volume of water in the San Juan and Calingasta rivers has doubled over the past fifteen days, escalating from an average of 40 to 80 cubic meters per second with peaks reaching up to 120 cubic meters per second. Water authorities attribute the sharp acceleration to rising temperatures and a rapid snowmelt process across the high mountain range.
Engineers at the Department of Hydraulics noted that the speed at which the water levels are rising demands constant surveillance. José María Ginestar, director of the department, explained that the average flow measured approximately 40 cubic meters per second two weeks ago, rose to 60 cubic meters per second a week later, and now sits at around 80.
This rapid hydrological shift is not isolated to the San Juan side of the border. Similar thaw processes and river surges have been documented across the cordillera in Chile, particularly affecting the Coquimbo Region, though with differing characteristics and intensities.
The accelerated melting is closely tied to heavy snow accumulation in the mountains, influenced by weather conditions associated with El Niño. The abundance of winter snow ensures that higher volumes of water will continue to feed regional waterways throughout the thaw season.
The rapid increases have raised concerns beyond standard water management, particularly regarding potential flash floods and mudslides. In the department of Calingasta, local authorities, irrigators, and community representatives scheduled a community meeting at the Barreal Cultural Center to address the threat of alluvial torrents and demand preventative infrastructure.
Community groups have previously filed formal complaints with the Department of Hydraulics requesting basin studies and protective works to safeguard local canals, private properties, and residents against destructive flooding. Local organizers stated they have yet to receive formal written responses regarding these necessary mitigation efforts.
Meanwhile, government agencies are closely tracking water contributions to local reservoirs to evaluate storage capacities and regulate downstream discharges as needed. The Provincial Emergency Response Coordination office continues to coordinate preventative measures across the region to mitigate potential water-related emergencies.
Authorities emphasize that ongoing meteorological monitoring and temperature tracking in the coming weeks will determine how the snowmelt evolves and what total volume of water the mountain range will ultimately deliver to the rivers of San Juan.