Highest water level since the beginning of measurements
The police in South Iceland investigated the situation at noon today and this photo was taken at that time. Photo/Police
The Met Office's water level gauge at the Flói Irrigation Dam near Brúnastaðir in Flóahreppur showed last night that the water level had exceeded the height of the dam and was therefore starting to overflow.
This is the highest water level that has been measured at this location since measurements began in 2009, according to the Met Office's announcement.
Graph showing water level at the Flói Irrigation Dam as of December 30th. Graph/Icelandic Met Office
Increased frost this weekend
Since December 30, an ice dam has been building up in the Hvítá River near Brúnastaðir and the Flóa Irrigation Canal.
Water began to flow out of the riverbed yesterday afternoon. Water is flowing both along and over the inlet of the Flói Irrigation Canal. Part of the water is flowing over Brúnastaðir lowland.
"The weather forecast predicts increased frost this weekend, which may affect the development of the ice dam. The risk of flooding could increase with sudden weather changes or continued rise in water levels,” the Met Office said in a statement.
Could cause problems on Highway 1
The Met Office says it is difficult to predict how the situation will develop. The situation will continue to be closely monitored.
Due to the cooler weather ahead, it is likely that ice will continue to form in the river. However, it is possible that the river will find a channel under the ice and gradually melt it, the statement said.
“If there are sudden changes in the weather while an ice dam is still in the river, there may be an increased risk of flooding in the area.”
This could mean that water will flow over roads leading to the farm near the river. If the water level continues to rise in the Flói Irrigation Canal, it could cause problems on Highway 1 east of Selfoss.
