MDBA Senior Director River Management, Joe Davis, said the releases are at channel capacity downstream of Hume at Doctors Point but may be increased if rainfall and inflow forecasts strengthen.
“We are working closely with the Bureau of Meteorology to monitor forecast rainfall in the area over the coming days,” Mr Davis said.
“Releases from Hume Dam are currently targeting 25,000 ML/day at Doctors Point but could safely be increased to around 32,000 ML/day in the coming days to gain airspace ahead of predicted rainfall.
“Adjusting release volumes in this manner is both effective and routine for the MDBA to mitigate flood risk while delivering on our primary role of keeping the dam safe.
“With water moving through the Murray from releases and inflows, river levels downstream of Hume will be higher in some places. We want to remind those living downstream of the dams to always be flood ready.
“Communities can stay up to date on the latest weather information and river conditions via the Bureau of Meteorology and State Emergency Service websites.”
Hume and Dartmouth dams are currently at 97% capacity.
Airspace releases are important to help mitigate the risk of flooding in the weeks and months ahead.
The MDBA operates Hume Dam in accordance with the rules set by state governments. That means our priority is keeping the dam safe, capturing and storing water and, where we can, mitigating floods.
Although wet weather is usual for this time of year, the Bureau of Meteorology still predicts a drier outlook over winter.
Updates will be provided with consideration to the impact of rainfall on forecast inflows.
Stay informed on current conditions
Murray-Darling Basin Authority www.riverdata.mdba.gov.au/system-view
Bureau of Meteorology www.bom.gov.au
NSW SES www.ses.nsw.gov.au
VIC SES www.ses.vic.gov.au
ENDS
Contact the MDBA media office at media@mdba.gov.au or 02 6279 0141
Contact the CEWH media office at media@environment.gov.au or 02 6275 9880
Contact the NSW media office at media@dpie.nsw.gov.au or 0499 699 460