Guanajuato’s dams are nearing their capacity limits, prompting preparations to discharge excess water into Lake Chapala. According to the León-based newspaper Correo AM, the Solís Dam in Acámbaro has exceeded its capacity, currently at 112.2%, compared to 41.8% at this time last year. The dam is receiving 212.5 cubic meters of water per second, necessitating a release of 125.45 cubic meters per second into the Lerma River.
Similarly, another dam in the Lerma-Santiago-Pacífico basin, located in Contepec, Michoacán, has surpassed its capacity, now at 112.7%, with discharges of 184.39 cubic meters per second. In contrast, the Allende Dam in San Miguel de Allende remains at a lower level, holding 51.8% of its capacity with minimal water inflows.
While certain dams, like the Realito, are nearly full at 100.8% capacity, others such as the Yuriria Dam remain at lower levels, currently at 60.8%.
These ongoing water releases could have a significant effect on the water levels of Lake Chapala in the coming days, as authorities monitor the situation and prepare for potential impacts.