Rainnights in Rosenheim: How to influence weather extreme groundwater levels

Rainnights in Rosenheim: How to influence weather extreme groundwater levels

The Rosenheim region is currently experiencing a historical state of emergency in relation to the groundwater level. In 2024, record values ​​were recorded in the rainfall, which have never been achieved in southern Bavaria since the start of the recordings 74 years ago. These extraordinary climatic conditions raise questions: What are the consequences of the intensive rainfall for the groundwater and will we soon have to expect moist cellars?

The Bavarian State Office for the Environment reported that the past summer half year was one of the wetest in this long series of observation. In particular, the heavy rains in January, May, June and September contributed to this. Klaus Moritz, head of the flood teaching service in the Rosenheim water management office, summarizes the Situation: "2024 was an eventful hydrological year". He monitors the groundwater measuring points in the district and describes the effects of the precipitation.

precipitation and their effects on the groundwater level

The rainfalls were exceptionally high this year. Moritz confirms that the values ​​were above average in November and December of the previous year, followed by a wet summer that started in May. The consequences are obvious: the groundwater mirror has increased at many measuring points, with some even reaching record values. In September a variety of points recorded the highest values ​​since the measurements started.

80 groundwater measuring points were monitored in the district. The condition of these measuring points is different, depending on the local conditions such as the geographical area and the intensity of the precipitation. "2024 offered good conditions for the filling of the groundwater, but the frequent precipitation was also a challenge for many homeowners," said Moritz. He emphasized that all -time maximum values ​​were only achieved at three of the measuring points, which is low compared to the extreme values ​​of 2013, which were observed at 30 measuring points.

Some specific regional data illustrate the size of the changes. In Westerham near Bad Aibling, the average water level is about 6.40 meters below the site, but the level rose to its maximum of 4.25 meters after the rains in September. Also in Aschau in the Chiemgau, the measurements show significant fluctuations that depend on the geological quality of the area.

The importance of the groundwater for the region

Another important topic concerns the groundwater levels along the Mangfall. These areas are particularly sensitive to rainfall, since they are directly affected by floods in rivers and streams. "The groundwater levels quickly react to the water levels," explained Moritz. He found that the groundwater levels rose significantly during the flood events in June and September and were little below the record values ​​of 1995.

If you look at a measuring point in the Raubling municipality, it turns out that the groundwater mirror after heavy rain in June rose to two meters, but then stabilized again. "These hydrological framework conditions decisively decide on the condition of the groundwater," explained Moritz. The long -term trends in these regions are crucial for the assessment of upcoming water availability and potential floods.

The data and measurements are also available online, which enables interested parties to get deeper insights into the changes and their causes. Moritz concluded that despite the high rainfall, the local groundwater was positively influenced, which also requires careful considerations for infrastructure and household challenges. Further information on this topic is find .