Major rise in Menindee inflow as floodwater joins Darling upstream
28 DECEMBER 2022Satellite images reveal the major increase of flow into Menindee lakes in recent days is a result of water branching out from the Talyawalka Creek and re-joining the main channel of the Darling River upstream of the lakes.
Under the State Flood Plan, the Bureau of Meteorology is responsible for providing information of river heights and flood warnings, while the NSW State Emergency Service is the lead flood response agency.
WaterNSW has revised its operating plan after inflows previously expected to peak at similar rates to those at Wilcannia (~45 gigalitres per day) began arriving at a rate of more than 70 gigalitres per day and could rise.
Months of controlled releases had created capacity within the lakes to capture 200 gigalitres (GL). However, the significant increase in inflows since Christmas has already reduced that figure to just 90 GL.
As a result, the rate of water being released from Menindee lakes will increase, lifting the level at the Menindee town gauge to at least 10 metres. It is likely the gates of the main weir could be raised to pass floodwaters by the weekend.
More information:
- Register for the Early Warning Network (EWN)
- Visit WaterInsights for dam levels and releases
- View the BoM website for weather and flood updates
- For emergency information, contact the NSW SES or phone 132 500
Media contact – Tony Webber 0428 613 478.
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