Bulgaria’s Reservoirs at 74% Capacity, Asenovets Dam Overflowing

As of March 23, 2026, Bulgaria’s reservoirs hold 4,845.6 million cubic meters of water, representing 74.14% of their total capacity, according to the Ministry of Environment and Water (MOEW). Several dams are nearing or have reached full capacity, prompting preventative water releases to manage potential flood risks.

Reservoir Levels and Overflowing Dams

The Asenovets Reservoir is currently at 100% capacity and overflowing, along with the Pchelina and Pancharevo reservoirs. Other dams with water levels exceeding 90% include Srechenska Bara, Kamchia, Yasna Polyana, Borovitsa, Studena, Domlyan, and Krichim.

Preventative Water Releases

To ensure sufficient storage capacity, preventative water releases are underway at the Studena, Trakiets, and Aheloy reservoirs. The MOEW manages water resources in 52 major and complex reservoirs throughout the country.

Weather Forecast and Flood Risk Management

The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH) forecasts rainfall in some areas during the first half of the week, with snowfall expected in mountainous regions. A first-level warning (yellow code) has been issued for significant rainfall in the southeastern regions of Haskovo and Kardzhali on March 24.

The MOEW reminds local authorities to implement measures outlined in the 2022–2027 Flood Risk Management Plans and to closely monitor hydrometeorological information available on the Ministry’s official website.

Recent Water Level Data

As of March 16, 2026, the total stored volume in complex and significant dams was 4892.4 million cubic meters, representing 74.85% of their total volume. Fakti.bg reported.

River levels are expected to remain stable for the next three days, remaining below concern thresholds, though short-term increases are possible in the Black Sea and Eastern White Sea basins due to rainfall on March 24.