Heavy rain fell overnight across the Seoul metropolitan area, but water levels at Gunnam Dam remained well below critical danger thresholds.
The stability of the dam is vital for preventing downstream flooding in Gyeonggi Province, where sudden surges in the Imjin River can threaten local infrastructure and residential areas.
As of 5 a.m. this morning, the water level at the dam in Yeoncheon-gun was measured at 25.6 meters [1], according to YTN reporter Song Su-hyun. This level is significantly lower than the 40-meter mark [2] designated as the flood-danger threshold.
Seven of the 13 spillway gates are currently open [1]. Officials said this is a normal operating level for the facility. Because the water did not reach the danger threshold, authorities did not open additional gates to release more water [1].
Song Su-hyun said, "As of 5 a.m., the Gunnam Dam water level was confirmed to be 25.6m" [1]. The reporter said that seven of the 13 gates are open, which is the same as usual levels [1].
While the rain caused an increase in inflow to the flood-control reservoir, the easing of the weather by early Wednesday morning prevented the need for emergency measures. Officials said the facility continues to monitor the Imjin River to ensure the safety of the surrounding region [1].
Song Su-hyun said that additional gates were not opened because the water had not reached the dangerous level [1].
“The water level is about 25.6m, well below the 40m danger threshold.”
The maintenance of water levels below the 40-meter threshold indicates that the Gunnam Dam's current flood-control capacity was sufficient to handle the overnight surge. By keeping spillway operations at normal levels, authorities avoided the necessity of emergency releases that could potentially stress downstream banks during periods of heavy saturation.
