The Minister of Environment and Water Asen Lichev informed the National Electric Company “NEK” EAD and the enterprise “Dams and Cascades” that, according to the forecast by the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH), an increase in river levels are expected as a result of precipitation and snowmelt - mainly in the catchment on the Arda river.

According to NIMH data, tomorrow afternoon and on Sunday (11 and 12 December) new significant increases are expected throughout the water basin, which is a prerequisite for increasing the inflow to the dams in the Arda Cascade. According to the forecast, on December 11-12 there is a risk of local spills in the catchment area of ​​the Arda river - in the upper reaches of the main river and in its tributaries, the Varbitsa and Krumovitsa rivers.

The Ministry of Environment and Water warned that it is necessary to start an operation to facilitate the smooth arrival of the inflow into the dams “Kardzhali”,  “Studen Kladenets”, and “Ivaylovgrad” through the operation of HPPs, so as to ensure free volume and prevent a sharp rise in river levels. If necessary, controlled release of water through mitigation facilities can be undertaken, whereby the discharge must comply with the conductivity of riverbeds as per the requirements of the Water Act.