The stormy weather in Israel this past weekend created some tragedies but there was also a silver lining to the story: the water level at Lake Kinneret — also known as the Sea of Galilee — is rising as a result.
The lake is the largest supply of drinking water for the State of Israel, and each year, the country watches the water level of the lake anxiously to make sure it rises during the rainy season in the winter months.
On Sunday, Jan. 5 2020, the level of the lake stood at 211.48 meters below sea level, just about halfway between the upper and lower red lines.
Ecological damage begins at the level of the lower red line, and the lake is at maximum capacity once the water reaches the upper red line, whereupon the Water Authority opens the Degania Dam.
According to the Water Authority, the water level in the lake is rising at a rate of approximately 10 centimeters per week — about 4 inches per week.