Sea of Galilee Levels Rising Daily

May 8, 2019

by: Rebecca J. Brimmer, International President and CEO

For many years, Israel has suffered under drought conditions with rainfall disappointingly below average. At the beginning of the rainy season late in 2018, the level of the Sea of Galilee, Israel’s main freshwater lake, was below the lower (dangerous) red line. The Sea of Galilee is in a deep basin, which lies below sea level. When full, it stands at 685 feet (208.8 m) below sea level. The lower red line stands at 699 feet (213 m) below sea level. This year’s rainfall has been abundant. Gushing waterfalls and melting snow from Mount Hermon continue to feed the lake. As of April, the level had risen to 694 feet (211.54 m), with the levels continuing to rise every day. There is a chance that the Sea of Galilee will reach the optimal level, which makes it possible to open the dam gates on the southern end of the lake to feed the Jordan River.