The Murray–Darling Basin Authority is reminding those who live downstream of Hume Dam to be flood ready as we enter the wettest period for southern Basin catchments.
The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting rain in the Hume Dam catchment in coming days, with high totals possible.
The MDBA has been pre-releasing water from the dam to create airspace since May, and we have close to 250 gigalitres of airspace available to capture the inflows.
However, if rainfall is more intense or totals are greater than forecast, significant runoff could be generated, with a risk of flooding both upstream and downstream of Hume Dam as these inflows would be passed through the dam and downstream.
Hume Dam is currently 92 per cent full.
River operators continue to work around the clock to assess new inflow and weather information and to manage releases accordingly. This includes close collaboration with WaterNSW and the Bureau of Meteorology to get the most up-to-date rainfall and inflow forecasts.
The MDBA's priority is keeping the dam safe, capturing and storing water and, where we can, mitigating floods.
If you live or work on a floodplain, please stay up to date on the latest weather information including warnings, river conditions and rainfall in your area via the Bureau of Meteorology's website.
You are also encouraged to subscribe to WaterNSW's Early Warning Network to be notified via SMS, landline or email about dam releases during times of high releases and floods.
There are three things you can do to be prepared for potential floods:
Develop your personalised flood emergency plan for your home and property by going to the State Emergency Service website for your state.
www.ses.nsw.gov.au
www.ses.vic.gov.au/plan-and-stay-safe
Sign up, or check your details are up to date, for WaterNSW's Early Warning Network to be notified by SMS, email or landline about dam activities during periods of flooding or high releases.
www.waternsw.com.au/supply/ewn
Check the Bureau of Meteorology to receive the latest weather information including warnings, river conditions and rainfall in your area
www.bom.gov.au/australia/warnings
www.bom.gov.au/australia/flood
The Bureau of Meteorology's outlook for August to October 2022 indicates wetter than average conditions are likely to continue across much of Australia.
Background
Hume Dam's primary purpose is water security – it plays a crucial role in managing flows and securing water along the Murray River, including to Adelaide.
The MDBA needs to fill Hume Dam before irrigation demands start to exceed inflows, and the level starts to drop. This ensures water allocations are maximised.
The MDBA operates the Hume Dam in accordance with the rules set by state governments.
When the dam fills, all flood waters will pass through the dam and head downstream along with the water entering from the tributaries such as the Kiewa River.
The Bureau of Meteorology is responsible for issuing flood warnings to the public. Check www.bom.gov.au/australia/warnings for up-to-date flood warnings in your area.
For more information about how dams are managed to reduce the impact of flooding visit: How are dams being managed to reduce the impact of flooding? | Murray-Darling Basin Authority (mdba.gov.au)
ENDS