Hunter dams approach 100 per cent capacity

23 November 2011

Glenbawn and Glennies Creek dams are approaching full capacity and rain is predicted in the Hunter region over the coming month.

As a result State Water is planning controlled water releases, should either of the dams exceed 100% of their capacity.

Glenbawn Dam is currently at 98.9% of capacity, and Glennies Creek Dam is at 95.3% of capacity.

Glennies Creek Dam will automatically begin to spill via a constructed spillway should the dam exceed 100% of its capacity. Controlled releases prior to a spill occurring may occur to mitigate downstream river levels.

Glenbawn Dam has a large flood surcharge capacity and will not spill automatically until the dam level exceeds 116% of its capacity. The controlled releases will only be made once it exceeds 100% of its capacity and the river levels below the dam have receded to below minor flood levels. These releases will result in downstream river levels that are less than would have naturally occurred in flood conditions.

Manager Water Delivery, Dan Berry reminded landholders to remain vigilant and monitor river levels.

“Landholders should check to see if the river levels are higher than expected and ensure that their equipment and stock are not impacted by the river flows” Mr Berry said.

“In some cases access may also be restricted if causeways are flooded,” said Mr Berry.

The timing and period of any releases will depend on the rainfall and water orders that occur in the Hunter over the next two to three months.

Please visit the SES website www.ses.nsw.gov.au for information regarding potential flooding. For weather forecasts, please visit the Bureau of Meteorology website www.bom.gov.au. 

For more information about storage levels and river heights go to the NSW Office of Water’s Waterinfo website at www.waterinfo.nsw.gov.au.

 

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