Water discharge

This March has been anomalous. In addition to stable negative air temperatures throughout the month, both day and night, a significant amount of snow has fallen. Specifically, on March 20th, the snow depth, according to meteorological station measurements, was 38 centimeters, which is two and a half times higher than the average for the second decade of the month over 30 years of observation.
According to snow survey data, the water equivalent in the snowpack is 117 millimeters (1170 tons per hectare), which is twice the average climatic value for the end of March. The snow structure remains frozen and dense. Last year, the snow cover had already melted by this time.
Due to the significant threat of floods and inundation, the commission of the district executive committee for emergency situations has decided on a single, large-volume water discharge from the sluices of the Lepel Hydroelectric Power Station. The discharge will take place from Wednesday, April 3rd, until the end of the week. The task is to lower the water level of Lake Lepel to its natural state.
As a result, under the ice, especially near the shore, voids will form. The commission, the district emergency situations department, and the water rescue society strongly recommend that citizens refrain from going onto the ice throughout the entire water area of Lake Lepel and its tributaries, as the risk of falling through significantly increases in such conditions. Particular attention should be paid by residents of streets adjacent to the water, and parents must explain to children the dangers of going onto the ice at this time.
Of course, all relevant structures will take comprehensive measures, but much also depends on the safe behavior of people themselves.
Alyaksandr SHYDLOUSKI,
Chairman of the District Executive Committee Commission for Emergency Situations.