Glacial outburst flood from Mýrdalsjökull in Leirá Syðri and Skálm

Electrical conductivity and water levels have risen in Leirá Syðri in recent days, according to measurements from a recently installed monitoring station near Sandfellsjökull. Increased conductivity and water levels have also been detected in readings at the bridge over Skálm on Route 1. This information was reported by the Icelandic Meteorological Office.

Public urged to exercise caution

The event currently qualifies as a small glacial outburst flood ( jökulhlaup ), but both conductivity and water levels continue to rise. The Meteorological Office has received reports of a sulfur smell, and people are therefore advised to be cautious near the river sources, as gas pollution may be present in the area.

Floods of this type are known in the region

A small flood occurred in Leirá Syðri and Skálm in late July last year, followed unexpectedly by a more substantial event that overflowed Route 1 and damaged the road. Such floods from geothermal areas beneath the glacier are well-known in several rivers around Mýrdalsjökull.

The most recent flood of this kind was in December. Since the major flood in July last year, four such events have occurred in the river.

Bergur Einarsson, head of hydrological research at the Icelandic Meteorological Office, says the cause of last year’s large flood is still not fully understood.

Flood still ongoing, water levels rising slowly

The outburst flood from Mýrdalsjökull is still in progress, and water levels in Leirá Syðri and Skálm continued to rise overnight, albeit slowly.

This was confirmed in a statement from the Meteorological Office.

The institution says it will monitor the situation closely throughout the day.

Yesterday’s statement from the Meteorological Office noted that this is a small flood and that water levels and conductivity are gradually increasing. Travelers had reported the smell of sulfur, and the public was advised to be cautious near the river sources due to possible gas emissions.