Dominica’s Boiling Lake Water Drops Significantly, Raising Concerns

• Significant drop in water levels at Boiling Lake, Dominica

Water levels at the Boiling Lake, Dominica, have changed significantly in recent days, a phenomenon that has occurred several times since 1876.

The most recent period of instability was observed in December 2023, and in the following months, guides and forest officials have reported changes in the lake levels, with the latest occurring during the month of March.

On March 29th, there was little to no water in the lake, indicating that the water levels had once again dropped significantly.

Increased volcanic activity in the area does not necessarily correlate with the observed changes in water levels and activity at the Boiling Lake. During these episodes, harmful gases such as carbon dioxide can be released, and small steam explosions may also occur.

This most recent cessation of geothermal activity at the lake may be indicative of blockages of underlying vents, which feed into the lake, and is of concern as clearing of this blockage can occur without warning.

The UWI-SRC and the ODM-OOffice of Disaster Management, Dominica, continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates accordingly. The UWI-SRC and the ODM (Office of Disaster Management) are the official sources of information on volcanic activity in Dominica.