Mild Weather and Dense Snow Mitigate Spring Flooding Risk in Southern Norway

OSLO (Reuters) – Mild weather during the winter months has kept Norway's hydropower reservoirs well-stocked, reducing the risk of significant spring flooding that could lead to waste, according to Statkraft, the nation's largest hydropower producer.

Hydropower’s Role in Norway

Hydropower is the primary source of electricity for Norway, which is a major exporter of electrical energy. Reservoirs across the country play a crucial role by storing large amounts of water for electricity production, operating similarly to a battery. With stable hydrological conditions reported, Statkraft hydrologist Gaute Lappegaard emphasized the importance of monitoring both the snowmelt dynamics and its contribution to the reservoirs for the upcoming weeks.

Current Weather Conditions

In northern Norway, snowfall has been substantial this winter; however, southern Norway, which houses most of the country's reservoir capacity, has experienced less precipitation, primarily in the form of rain. Lappegaard noted that despite the milder temperatures, reservoirs remain well-filled, and some areas have even reached record levels of water, according to data from the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE).

Preparing for Snowmelt

As temperatures remain mild through March and into April, Statkraft is preparing its reservoirs for an influx of water from the snowmelt. To assess the snow's potential contribution, Statkraft teams have been deployed to measure snow density at various strategic locations. Team members employ a method that involves drilling a cylinder into the snow and weighing the collected sample to determine the water content. Lappegaard pointed out that simply measuring the snow's depth is insufficient, as different snow densities impact the amount of water that will be released.

Outlook for Spring

The combination of mild weather and dense snow is expected to lead to a more gradual snowmelt, rather than an abrupt flooding event. This forecast allows Statkraft to better control the timing of its electricity production, ensuring a measured transition into the spring season. As Lappegaard explained, “This year’s milder weather has resulted in less, albeit dense, snow in southern Norway, which is likely to reduce the overall volumes expected after the spring floods.”

In summary, while the weather conditions this winter have been unusual, they have created a situation that may ultimately benefit Norway's hydropower management, minimizing the potential for flooding while ensuring energy production remains stable.