Water Levels Rise: SONABEL Weighs Opening Bagré Dam Spillway
Burkina Faso's electricity utility company, SONABEL, is considering opening the spillway gates at the Bagré Dam this week as water levels in the reservoir continue to rise. The Bagré Dam's upstream water level currently stands at 234.55 metres, with the reservoir 93.98% full, just 0.45 metres below its Normal Operating Water Level of 235 metres.
Rising Water Levels Pose Flood Concerns in Northern Ghana
The Bagré Dam's releases are closely monitored in Ghana, as spillage from the dam can affect water levels downstream along the White Volta, raising flood concerns in parts of northern Ghana. The nearby Kompienga Dam remains further from capacity, with an upstream water level of 178.13 metres and a filling rate of 81.45%, 1.87 metres below its Normal Operating Water Level of 180 metres.
SONABEL Considers Opening Spillway Gates
According to the latest hydrological update, SONABEL may proceed with opening the spillway gates as early as Friday, 28 August 2026, if the reservoir reaches the 234.75-metre mark. The company says it will notify the public in advance of the exact date and time water releases will begin if it becomes necessary.
Routine Monitoring and Flood Concerns
Bagré Dam releases are routinely monitored in Ghana, as spillage from the dam can affect water levels downstream along the White Volta. The nearby Kompienga Dam, which has been discharging water at a rate of 19.08 cubic metres per second since 1 January 2026, remains further from capacity.
SONABEL's Plan to Manage Water Levels
The update was issued by Ernest Sanou, an engineer in SONABEL's Hydraulic Service, under the utility's Hydroelectric Production Department. SONABEL noted that one floodgate at Kompienga has been open at 0.50 metres since 1 January 2026, discharging water at a rate of 19.08 cubic metres per second.
What's Next for SONABEL and Ghana
The decision to open the spillway gates will be closely watched by residents in northern Ghana, who are concerned about the potential impact on water levels downstream. SONABEL will notify the public in advance of the exact date and time water releases will begin if it becomes necessary. The company's decision will be a crucial step in managing water levels and preventing potential flooding in the region.
Source: Joy Online
