Bagré dam nears spillway threshold as water level rises to 77.35%

The water levels at Burkina Faso's Bagré and Kompienga dams are both above 77% capacity as of August 15, according to the country's national electricity company, SONABEL.

The Kompienga Dam recorded an upstream water level of 177.65 metres, representing a 77.17% filling rate. The level is 2.35 metres below its normal reservoir level of 180 metres.

In a press statement, SONABEL said one gate at the Kompienga Dam has been open at 0.50 metres since January 1, 2026, resulting in a flow rate of 18.41 cubic metres per second.

At the Bagré Dam, the upstream water level stood at 233.24 metres, representing a 77.35% filling rate. This is 1.76 metres below the dam's normal reservoir level of 235 metres.

SONABEL has cautioned that it may open the spillway gates of the Bagré Dam if the reservoir level reaches 234.75 metres.

The company said should the threshold be reached and water releases become necessary, it will inform the public in advance of the date and time for the commencement of the spillage.

The update comes amid monitoring of water levels in the two dams, which are important sources of hydroelectric power in Burkina Faso.