River levels in Cuenca have fallen sharply following the intense rains earlier this month, easing pressure on the Mazar reservoir but drawing attention to shifting conditions in Ecuador’s power system.
Just over a week after severe flooding pushed rivers to unusually high levels, flows have returned closer to normal. On March 23 at 08:00, the Tomebamba River measured 4.13 cubic meters per second, down from more than 70 cubic meters per second on March 12. The Yanuncay River, which had exceeded 100 cubic meters per second during the floods, has also dropped significantly, though current readings are unavailable due to maintenance at the monitoring station.
The Tarqui and Machángara rivers show a similar trend. Both had exceeded 20 cubic meters per second during peak conditions but are now ranging between 4 and 6 cubic meters per second.
This decline follows several days of reduced rainfall and rising temperatures between March 20 and March 22, shifting conditions from flooding to drier weather.
The change is also affecting the Paute River basin, a key area for hydroelectric generation. The Mazar reservoir, which plays a central role in Ecuador’s electricity system, has seen its water level fall after briefly exceeding its maximum during the floods.
- March 12 level: 2,154 meters above sea level
- March 23 level: 2,149.51 meters above sea level
- Drop: just over 4 meters in 11 days
Despite the decline, the system remains stable. The Mazar hydroelectric plant is operating at full capacity with both units active, while Molino is running all nine units and Sopladora is operating two.
The shift in water levels comes as some areas, including Guayaquil, report sudden power outages. At the same time, companies have been asked to activate their own generators to support supply. Even so, a broader blackout crisis is not expected.
Looking ahead, rainfall is forecast to return in the Austro region, with a high probability of thunderstorms in Cuenca. Changes in rainfall patterns are also being felt in the eastern basin, where another major hydroelectric plant is located.