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Increased spilling possible again in three Luzon dams
FILE: Angat Dam, in Norzagaray, Bulacan, Philippines (Photo By Nikbert16 at English Wikipedia – Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons., CC BY 3.0)
MANILA – Ambuklao, Binga, and Magat dams in Luzon may reintensify respective spilling operations in the forthcoming days.
“We’re not discounting that possibility as rainfall there may increase,” said Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) hydrologist Edgar dela Cruz.
He said such rainfall can increase flow of water into the dams, causing these facilities to spill or release more excess water.
Intensified spilling operation aims to prevent the dams’ water from rising to dangerous levels, he said.
Rain from the successive onslaught of tropical cyclones since October 2020 significantly raised water level in Ambuklao, Binga, and Magat dams, resulting in spilling operations more intense than what these facilities did during the 24-hour period ending 6 a.m. Friday (Dec. 4).
PAGASA data showed that volume of water each of the dams released then was constant, said dela Cruz.
However, he said there wasn’t much rainfall nowadays so the dams didn’t have to release more water.
That can change as PAGASA said the northeast monsoon or “amihan” and tail-end of a frontal system are prevailing in Luzon, he noted.
On Friday, PAGASA said “amihan” is affecting northern Luzon.
“We see ‘amihan’ will persist there this weekend,” said PAGASA weather forecaster Raymond Ordinario.
Generally fair weather is likely in northern Luzon then but the area can also experience some drizzle due to “amihan”, he added.
He said “amihan” will mostly affect the area’s western portion during the weekend.
Ambuklao and Binga dams are located in Benguet province while Magat Dam in Isabela province lies near the eastern portion.
Tail-end of a frontal system can bring light rains to Luzon’s eastern portion this weekend, Ordinario said.
Continuous light rains can already have an impact on Magat Dam, he added.
