Sevan water levels dip despite heavy rainfall

Lake Sevan, Armenia’s largest freshwater reserve, has recorded lower water levels this spring compared with the same period last year despite abundant rainfall. Official measurements show the lake standing 17 centimeters below its April 2025 level.

Levon Azizyan, Director of the Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center, attributed the decline to temperature differences rather than precipitation. “Last year’s March and April were significantly warmer, which led to rapid snowmelt in the surrounding mountains. The surge of meltwater greatly increased river inflows into Sevan. This year, cooler conditions have slowed the process, reducing the volume of water reaching the lake,” he explained. River inflows remain the primary source of Sevan’s replenishment.

Forecasts suggest the current shortfall may be temporary. The center expects the lake level to surpass last year’s figures by late June.

In April 2025, Sevan rose by 14 centimeters, while in April 2026 the increase was just 9 centimeters.