Flood situation

Lake Constance: water level rises, but no cause for concern

The meadows at the Bregenz sailing harbor are under water.

(Bild: N. Kinzel)

The water level of Lake Constance has risen again, resulting in an increase in local flooding. However, the settlement area on the Vorarlberg lakeshore is not in danger. The situation on Untersee is far more dramatic. 

As expected, the water level of Lake Constance broke the 5.15 meter mark (Bregenz gauge) during the course of Tuesday - the equivalent of a ten-year flood. This resulted in further local flooding: In Bregenz, the footpaths along the pipeline, at the sailing harbor and in Neu-Amerika are currently under water, and the part of the alluvial forest near the lake in the area of the Ach estuary is also flooded. Lake Constance also spilled over its banks at the Rohrspitz in Fußach and at the Gaißau harbor. However, residential areas have so far been spared.

Flooded footpath in Bregenz.

(Bild: N. Kinzel)

And this is likely to remain the case. According to current forecasts, the water level is expected to slowly recede from Wednesday, but due to the still considerable meltwater runoff, the water level will remain above average for some time to come. Nevertheless, it seems that Vorarlberg has survived the worst.

However, the situation at Untersee is completely different: The Swiss authorities declared the highest danger level (5) on Tuesday, and several lakeside promenades, garden restaurants and parking lots are already under water. The emergency services are trying to hold back the water with mobile protective dams and sandbag barricades. The population is called upon to avoid the lakeshore.