Exceptional flood at the Falls: flow of 7,428 m³/s may limit tours

The flow measurement at the Falls reached 7,428 m³/s (cubic meters per second – the unit that indicates how many liters of water pass each second), an exceptional rating because it exceeds the 6,500 m/s at which the Argentine park usually closes the Devil's Throat preemptively. Compared with the long-term historic average of about 1,500 m³/s, the river is almost 5 times fuller.

When the flow is above 6,500 m³/s the park may close only the final section of the walkway that leads to the Devil's Throat; the viewpoints remain open. Since the decision is announced on the day, it is recommended to confirm the status of the trails before visiting via the official Iguazu Falls website. The water takes on a brown hue due to rain-borne sediment in the basin, not because of dirt.

To put this volume in perspective, 7,428 m³/s equals roughly 3.0 Olympic-size swimming pools cascading every second, 743 water-truck loads per second, or the daily water consumption of the entire population of Foz do Iguaçu (285,000 residents) in about 6 seconds. Be prepared for louder noise and steam, wear non-slip shoes and a raincoat. Remember that the Itaipu dam on the Paraná River does not control the Falls' flow.

What this means for you: expect an even more intense spectacle, but be ready for possible restrictions on the final passage to the Devil's Throat. Bring a waterproof coat, appropriate footwear, and protect electronic devices; arrive early to enjoy the open viewpoints and check the current trail status before leaving home.

Read also: What to pack for Iguazu Falls