LAREDAR partners advance cross-border reservoir management in Munich

Munich, 3–5 November 2026 – LAREDAR partners met at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) for the 4th Partner Meeting and SO2 Modelling Workshop. The three-day event focused on translating ongoing research and modelling into common approaches for managing lakes and reservoirs and reducing flood risks across the Danube River Basin.

Building a shared picture of flood risks

Hosted by TUM’s Chair of Hydrology and River Basin Management, the meeting reviewed progress on the LAREDAR GIS platform, the basin-wide catalogue of lakes and reservoirs, and hydraulic modelling of the Danube and its tributaries. A keynote from the Water Management Office Kempten highlighted the flood-retention role of Alpine storage reservoirs in Bavaria.

A dedicated workshop brought together modelling work from five pilot areas: the Mura River (Austria–Slovenia), Lake Tisza/Kisköre (Hungary), Novi Bečej (Serbia), Lake Călinești (Romania) and the Suplacu de Barcău reservoirs (Romania). Partners compared data needs, model development and approaches to assessing how reservoir operations influence downstream flood conditions.

Towards harmonised scenarios and cooperation

The workshop explored a shared set of flood and drought scenarios, including historical events, design floods, alternative reservoir-operation strategies and climate-change considerations. TUM also presented progress on a Danube-wide discharge platform using LISFLOOD.

Group discussions examined the proposed harmonisation platform from three perspectives: governance and cooperation arrangements, information and forecast exchange, and operational coordination during extreme events. This work will inform the Transnational Manual and recommendations to support cross-border reservoir management.

From technical analysis to practical guidance

Partners also discussed good practices, future guidance for the Danube River Basin, stakeholder workshops and communication of project results. The final day featured a study visit to the Forggensee reservoir and Roßhaupten dam on the Lech River, where participants explored the interplay between hydropower generation, seasonal water-level management and flood retention.

The Munich meeting provided an opportunity to align the next phase of technical work. LAREDAR will continue developing its modelling handbook, scenario analyses and harmonisation concept, helping water authorities and stakeholders improve cooperation on flood risk management across national borders.