In Bashkiria preliminary forecast for spring high water is announced

The maximum level of the main Bashkir rivers during the current flooding is expected within long-term averages, the Head of Bashkir Department for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring Vilora Goroholskaya said at a press conference of the Bashkir Directorate of EMERCOM.

As the head of Bashkir Hydrometeorology Agency informed, autumn soil moisture was by 25 percent above normal this season. Snow reserves in the River Belaya basin were by 10-50 percent above normal. Soil freezing at 30-35 cm was below normal. "This factor may result in gradual and rapid fall of water" Vilora Goroholskaya explained.

In March, the average temperature is projected to be one degree above normal at standard values of 7 - minus 4 degrees Celsius. "We do not expect significant increase in temperatures. April in Bashkiria is expected two degrees above normal and amounts of precipitation by 10 - 20 percent higher than normal", the head of Bashkir Hydrometeorology Agency said.

According to the analysis of hydrologists, "benchmark data" of the current flood match the spring of 1992 and 1998.

According to preliminary estimates, the level of the river Belaya in Ufa is expected within 670-770 cm, which is 10 cm below normal.

The level of the river Belaya in Sterlitamak tentatively will be 390 - 490 cm that is 50 cm below normal. Nevertheless, flooding of the city is possible on the Sterlya and Ashkadar rivers. In Birsk the River Belaya will rise to the level of 680 - 780 cm, 10 cm above the norm. Flooding is not expected in Birsk. Considering all factors, ice jams are possible on the rivers. As the head of the Bashkir Directorate of EMERCOM Valery Khisamutdinov marked, all problematic places were well known to the staff department. Preventive work on consequences of the flood was conducted systematically, on a pre-approved plans, the colonel of internal service underlined.

The revised flood forecast for 2014 will be completed by March 25, the head of Bashkir Hydrometeorology Agency informed.