Ukraine's largest high-altitude lake, Synevyr, has again come into focus due to a sharp drop in water levels. Due to prolonged heat and almost complete lack of precipitation, the water has receded from the shores, and tourists and locals are increasingly posting photos showing exposed areas of the bottom. Experts explain that the cause is the abnormally hot summer and prolonged drought, which have affected not only Transcarpathia but most of Central Europe. The mountain streams that feed the lake have significantly shallowed, and high air temperatures accelerate water evaporation. However, this situation for Synevyr is not unprecedented.
Greatest shallowing – in 2022
The worst situation in the entire history of instrumental observations was recorded in the summer of 2022. Due to an extremely dry spring and summer, the water level then dropped to a historic low. According to employees of the Synevyr National Nature Park, the water receded approximately six meters from the maximum level. The shoreline changed significantly, and part of the bottom, usually underwater, became visible. Ecologists then emphasized that the cause was not human activity but exclusively weather conditions.
The 2005 mark still remains a reference point
Park employees recall that another record low water level was observed in 2005. On the central island of Synevyr, a special mark even remains indicating the level to which the water dropped then. It is with this period that the current state of the lake is now compared.
Drought is recurring more frequently
Scientists also draw attention to the severe shallowing observed in 2015. It was associated with a dry summer and became one of the confirmations that the climate in the Carpathians is gradually changing. Over the past two decades, extreme periods of heat and lack of precipitation have become much more frequent.
Drought has engulfed all of Central Europe
The current situation is not limited to Transcarpathia alone. Due to record heat, water levels in the Danube and Tisza rivers have sharply dropped. In Hungary, due to the shallowing of the Danube, concerns even arose about the operation of the Paks nuclear power plant, and in some sections of the river, ammunition from World War II began to appear from the bottom. Similar problems are also recorded in Slovakia, Romania, Serbia, and Croatia.
Should we worry?
Ecologists urge not to panic. Synevyr is a natural lake, the water level of which changes depending on precipitation, snowmelt, and air temperature. However, if the dry weather persists for another few weeks, the lake may approach the record low levels last seen in 2022. Despite the current shallowing, Synevyr remains one of Ukraine's main natural pearls. However, this summer once again reminds us of how vulnerable even the largest mountain reservoirs are becoming to climate change.
