turismo ·
Waterfalls with flow 3.8× above average: what to expect
Guia 3 newsroom · edited by Annie GrellmannPortuguêsEspañol
The flow of the Iguaçu River in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, at the Waterfalls is 5,628 m³/s, 3.8 times the historic average of 1,500 m³/s.
Today's measurement indicates 5,628 m³/s (level 291 cm), which equals 3.8 times the historic average flow of 1,500 m³/s – that is, about 1.5 million liters per second. This amount corresponds to roughly 2.3 Olympic-size swimming pools crashing every second or 563 water-tanker trucks per second.
With water that massive, the mist on the walkways becomes denser and the waterfall spectacle even more impressive. However, during strong floods the park usually temporarily closes the final section of the walkway for safety, although the viewpoints and other areas remain open. This decision is announced by the park on the day of the visit; therefore, check the real-time status before you go (/cataratas-hoje).
The high flow is not related to the Itaipu dam, which is on the Paraná River and does not control the Iguaçu River. The surge comes from recent rains in the western/south-western Paraná basin, with a lag of hours to days. The water can turn brown because of sediment carried by the rains, but this does not affect visitor safety.
What this means for you: If you plan to visit the Waterfalls this week, expect an even more dramatic view, with plenty of mist and roar from the falls. Be prepared for possible restrictions on the final walkway – arrive early, bring a raincoat, and confirm the trail’s opening on the park’s official website before leaving home.
Read also: What is the best time to see the Iguaçu Waterfalls?
Frequently asked questions
- Can the final walkway at the Waterfalls be closed?
- Yes, during strong floods the park usually temporarily closes the final section of the walkway for safety; check the real-time status on the official website before you go.
- Does brown water indicate pollution?
- No, the brown coloration is caused by sediment from the rains that reaches the river, not by pollution.
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