WaterNSW to cut dam releases as major rain event looms
WaterNSW to cut dam releases as major rain event looms
WaterNSW will cut water releases from key dams across the state after days of pre-releases have reduced storage levels in preparation for inflows arising from a significant rain event predicted for much of NSW in coming days.
WaterNSW teams at major supply dams are prepared for flood operations, with Keepit on the Namoi River, Wyangala on the Lachlan and Burrinjuck on the Murrumbidgee likely to spill. Copeton on the Gwydir may also fill.
The majority of dams across regional NSW are expected to experience inflows before the weather system moves to the Greater Sydney catchment in the days ahead.
Keepit Dam sits at approximately 96% of capacity after several days of large releases which reached a rate of 22 gigalitres per day (GL/day) today (Wednesday, 10 November).
Wyangala Dam (99.6%) storage has been reduced from flood surcharge level (>100%), after receiving consistent inflows over the past week. Releases are currently 16 GL/day and will be scaled back in line with rain forecast and inflows.
Burrinjuck (91.7%) releases reached 25 GL/day over the past 48 hours and have today been reduced in preparation for rainfall impacts on the downstream tributaries.
WaterNSW Executive Manager of System Operations, Adrian Langdon said based on weather forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology and in consultation with local airspace advisory panels, WaterNSW has already released large volumes from dams in flood-prone river valleys.
“As has been the case for months, most WaterNSW dams are at or near capacity so we are working with the Bureau to schedule dam releases between rain events to capture the next inflows, and then cutting back releases as the rain approaches to reduce downstream impacts.”
With the Bureau of Meteorology continuing to forecast a climate outlook that “indicates rainfall over the coming months is likely to be above average” WaterNSW will continue to make airspace releases as required.
For more information on WaterNSW storages visit our Regional NSW Dams page.
To access information on river heights and flow data visit: WaterInsights
Agency | Information | Website |
Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) | Weather forecasts and warnings | |
NSW State Emergency Service (SES) | Flooding and severe weather warnings and advice |