Small glacial outburst flood observed in Skálm River as authorities advise caution in Iceland

A small glacial outburst flood appears to be underway in the Skálm River, as reported by the Icelandic Meteorological Office. Electrical conductivity in the river has been rising since Saturday afternoon, now measuring around 309 µS/cm. The water level of the river has also slightly increased, prompting authorities to advise caution near the river’s source and along its banks due to potential gas emissions in the area.

There have been no reports of sulfur odors received by the Meteorological Office, and currently, there is no detectable tremor on the seismometers at Mýrdalsjökull, in contrast to the significant outburst flood observed in Skálm on July 27 of this year. At present, water levels are below warning thresholds, and infrastructure is not considered at risk; however, it remains possible that flow rates and water levels may increase. The Meteorological Office’s Natural Hazard Monitoring team continues to monitor the situation closely.