MAGAT DAM NEARS SPILLING LEVEL: Just 1.07 meters to go

RAMON, Isabela — Magat Dam's water level has risen to 188.93 meters above sea level (masl), leaving only 1.07 meters before the reported 190-masl spilling level, according to an update by the National Irrigation Administration–Magat River Integrated Irrigation System (NIA-MARIIS) at 5 a.m. this September 14, 2026.

The reservoir level has continued to rise as rainfall replenishes the Magat watershed. No radial spillway gate had reportedly been opened at the time of the update.

The latest level marks a sharp turnaround from July, when Magat Dam was experiencing critically low water levels amid prolonged dry conditions. The low reservoir affected irrigation and power-generation operations, while fish cage operators at the reservoir also experienced a fish kill.

Magat Dam is a major multipurpose facility serving irrigation and hydropower needs. The dam and its irrigation system support tens of thousands of hectares of agricultural land.

WILL GATES BE OPENED?

There is no verified official announcement yet that NIA-MARIIS has scheduled a water release based solely on the 188.93-masl reading.

However, past NIA operations show that water releases may be undertaken as reservoir levels approach or exceed the applicable spilling level, particularly when heavy rainfall is expected to continue.

In August 2022, for example, Magat Dam opened a spillway gate when its water level reached about 188 meters amid heavy rains, releasing 200 cubic meters per second as a safety measure. Any significant release could raise water levels downstream along the Magat River, particularly in low-lying communities.

In previous releases, NIA has advised residents living near the river to exercise caution and avoid fishing and other activities in the waterways.

For now, residents near the Magat River and other downstream areas are urged to monitor official advisories from NIA-MARIIS, PAGASA and local disaster risk reduction offices, especially if rainfall continues and the reservoir level rises further.