RIVER MURRAY WEEKLY REPORT
FOR THE WEEK ENDING WEDNESDAY, 5TH AUGUST 2016
Trim Ref: D15/64251
Rainfall and Inflows
There was rainfall across the southern Murray-Darling Basin this week with the passage of cold fronts
and a trough system that brought relatively high totals to the south-east ranges over the weekend. The
northern Basin remained dry (Map 1).
The highest weekly totals were recorded in the south-east slopes and ranges and in southern South
Australia. In NSW, the highest totals fell over the Snowy Mountains with totals between 50 and 100 mm
recorded at several sites. Elsewhere, totals above 25 mm were widespread across the Southern
Tablelands including 39 mm at Hume Dam and Albury. Totals in Victoria were highest over the Victorian
Alps and included 118 mm at Rocky Valley and 80 mm at Mt Buffalo. Other notable totals included 64
mm at Harris Lane and 60 mm at Yackandandah and Mongans Bridge. In South Australia there were
totals between 25 and 50 mm around the Lower Lakes and the eastern Mt Lofty Ranges including 33
mm recorded at Mt Barker and 25 mm at Goolwa.
Map 1 – Murray-Darling Basin rainfall week ending 5th August 2015 (Source: Bureau of Meteorology)
Stream flow responses along the upper Murray tributaries were higher than expected following the
weekend rain and have added a much needed boost to System inflows. On the Mitta Mitta River, the
flow at Hinnomunjie Bridge increased from 1,200 to 2,300 ML/day. On the upper Murray at Biggara, the
flow increased to a daily peak of 3,300 ML/day on 3 August, which is the highest so far this winter. There
were also significant responses in the Kiewa River catchment, with flows of 4,300 ML/day in the lower
Kiewa River at Bandiana taking the river above the minor flood level for a couple of days.
GPO Box 1801 Canberra ACT 2601
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July 2015 Summary
Weather conditions across the Murray-Darling Basin during July were fairly typical of winter with cold
temperatures and the highest rainfall totals over the south-east ranges. Snow returned to the alpine
areas, while a particularly cold outbreak mid-month brought snow to large parts of the ranges and
tablelands further north, with falls extending into southern Queensland.
Monthly rainfall totals were fairly close to the long-term average for most parts of the Basin, with slightly
less than average rain in the west contrasting with above average rain in parts of central NSW and in
southern Queensland (Map 1). Across the Basin as a whole, the Bureau of Meteorology has reported
area-averaged rain totalling 35.1 mm, which is 12% below the long-term July mean. Both daytime and
overnight temperatures were a little below the long-term average for July.
Map 2 - Murray Darling Basin rainfall deciles for July 2015 (Source: Bureau of Meteorology).
River Murray System inflows for July (excluding Snowy Scheme, Darling River and managed
environmental inflows) totalled around 420 GL. This figure represents only around a third of the longterm monthly average for July of about 1,250 GL, with the total affected by the dry catchment conditions
during June and early July.
Estimated evaporation losses from MDBA storages for July 2015 are reported in Table 1. Evaporation
is estimated by multiplying the surface area of the storage by the net evaporation. Net evaporation is
derived by subtracting the rainfall recorded at the storage from the calculated evaporation. As a result
of rainfall exceeding evaporation during July, net evaporation at both Dartmouth and Hume Reservoirs
was negative. Net evaporation at Lake Victoria and the Menindee Lakes also remained low during July
with the prevailing cool winter conditions.
GPO Box 1801 Canberra ACT 2601
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Table 1: Monthly evaporation figures for MDBA storages
*Approximate (net) evaporative
Storage
loss in July 2015 (GL)
Dartmouth
-4
Hume
-2.5
Lake Victoria
3
Menindee Lakes
2
Average storage volume
in July 2015 (GL)
2,776
1,099
457
97
* Evaporative loss from storage = surface area of the storage x net evaporation. Net evaporation = measured evaporation
(using a ‘pan’ instrument) - rainfall.
River Operations
 Lake Mulwala and Mildura weir pools back to normal levels;
 Forest regulators opened in the Barmah-Millewa Forest as flows increase;
 Significant Lower Lakes barrage release to provide flow pulse into the Coorong.

MDBA total storage increased by 43 GL this week. Active storage is now 4,184 GL (50% capacity).
The storage volume in Dartmouth Reservoir decreased by 18 GL to 2,766 GL (72% capacity) and the
release averaged 6,800 ML/day. Release rates between 6,000 and 7,000 ML/day are planned for the
coming week to provide further bulk transfers of water from Dartmouth to Hume Reservoirs.
Hume Reservoir storage increased by 74 GL this week and is now 1,162 GL (39% capacity). Inflows
increased to more than 21,000 ML/day late in the week following the weekend rain. The increase was
in part due to heavy local rainfall that triggered flow responses along a number of ungauged creeks that
flow into the reservoir (Figure 1). The release from Hume was reduced throughout the week in response
to decreasing downstream demand requirements. The current release is 4,100 ML/day and is down
from 13,000 ML/day at the beginning of the week.
Figure 1 - A number of creeks upstream of Hume Dam, including Dry Forest Creek, responded significantly following heavy local
rain over the weekend. Photo: Alistair McKenzie-McHarg, MDBA.
The level in Lake Mulwala returned to the normal operating target of 124.7 m AHD on 3 August following
the winter drawdown. The current level is 124.83 m AHD and levels between 124.8 and 124.9 are
expected during the coming days. Diversions at the major irrigation off-takes were maintained between
1,000 and 2,000 ML/day during the week as the irrigation companies continued filling their channel
systems. The flow downstream of Yarrawonga Weir has been increased to 16,000 ML/day in response
to higher tributary inflows. This flow rate is expected to persist for several more days before decreasing,
GPO Box 1801 Canberra ACT 2601
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Page 3 of 9
however similar or higher flow rates are possible in the coming weeks depending on future rain, with
further rain forecast over the coming week.
Downstream in the Barmah-Millewa Forest, forest flow regulators have been fully opened by forest
managers at most sites to help pass the higher flows arriving from upstream. These flows will also
benefit the forest wetland environment.
On the Edward-Wakool system, the combined flow through the Edward River and Gulpa Creek offtakes
has increased to 2,100 ML/day. Flows are expected to increase a little more in the coming days, although
flows through the Edward River offtake will, for the time being, be maintained at no more than 1,600
ML/day. At Stevens Weir, the pool continues to re-fill in preparation for the up-coming irrigation season.
The pool level increased from 3.02 to 4.30 m on the local gauge this week. The release downstream of
Stevens Weir decreased to 400 ML/day mid-week, however flows are now expected to increase over
the coming week with rates above 1,000 ML/day likely in a few days’ time.
On the Goulburn River, the flow averaged 850 ML/day. Slightly higher flows are expected in the coming
days. At Torrumbarry Weir, the diversion at National Channel was maintained at 1,200 ML/day.
Diversions are expected to increase to 1,500 ML/day this week. Flows downstream of Torrumbarry Weir
increased steadily throughout the week with the current flow at 6,800 ML/day and flows in excess of
8,000 ML/day anticipated towards the end of the coming week.
On the Murrumbidgee River, flows at Balranald crept up to around 1,700 ML/day during the week. This
is above the minimum target and similar or higher flows are expected in the coming week.
At Euston Weir, the flow peaked at around 9,000 ML/day last week but has now receded to
7,500 ML/day. However, the flow is expected to increase again in the coming days and flows above
9,000 ML/day are likely in around one week’s time. The pool level at Euston remains above FSL, with
the current level at 47.81 (21 cm above FSL), as part of the current weir pool variability program that
aims to achieve a more natural wetting and drying cycle for the riverine environment.
At Mildura Weir, the weir pool has now almost returned to the normal FSL, with the level now just 4 cm
below the FSL of 34.4 m AHD. With the completion of the drawdown and re-fill, standard release
operations have now resumed along with a downstream flow more consistent with actual river flows.
(See attached media release.) The current downstream flow is now 8,700 ML/day and receding.
On the Darling River system, a steady base flow continues at gauges upstream of Menindee, with flows
at Bourke averaging about 500 ML/day in recent weeks. Storage in the Menindee Lakes is currently at
98 GL (6%) and increased by only 1 GL this week, while the release of a small replenishing flow into the
lower Darling River continued. The flow at Weir 32 remains at about 200 ML/day. No flow has yet been
observed downstream at Pooncarie since the release began and flows from this release are not
expected to reach Burtundy.
Storage at Lake Victoria decreased by 14 GL to 450 GL (66 % capacity). The flow into South Australia
averaged 7,200 ML/day. A flow rate around 7,000 ML/day is planned for the coming days.
At the Lower Lakes, the five-day average level at Lake Alexandrina is 0.77 m AHD (2 cm above FSL).
Releases through the barrages have been restricted in recent days due to reverse flow conditions.
However a pulse of significantly higher releases is now planned during the next few days to target a
range of environmental benefits and take advantage of the forecast weather and tidal conditions and
the current high water levels in Lake Alexandrina. See the attached media release for more details.
For media inquiries contact the Media Officer on 02 6279 0141
DAVID DREVERMAN
Executive Director, River Management
GPO Box 1801 Canberra ACT 2601
Email: engagement@mdba.gov.au
Telephone: 02 6279 0100
Web: www.mdba.gov.au
Facsimile: 02 6248 8053
ABN 13679821382
Page 4 of 9
Water in Storage
Week ending Wednesday 05 Aug 2015
Full
Supply
Level
MDBA Storages
Dartmouth Reservoir
Hume Reservoir
Lake Victoria
Menindee Lakes
Total
Total Active MDBA Storage
Current
Storage
Level
Full Supply
Volume
(m AHD)
486.00
192.00
27.00
(GL)
3 856
3 005
677
1 731*
9 269
Major State Storages
Burrinjuck Reservoir
Blowering Reservoir
Eildon Reservoir
Current
Storage
(GL)
2 766
1 162
450
98
4 476
%
72%
39%
66%
6%
48%
596
666
2 254
58%
41%
68%
(m AHD)
467.66
180.25
25.02
1 026
1 631
3 334
Dead
Storage
Active
Storage
(GL)
71
23
100
(- -) #
--
(GL)
2 695
1 139
350
0
4 184
50% ^
3
24
100
593
642
2 154
Change in
Total
Storage
for the
Week
(GL)
-18
+74
-14
+1
+43
+39
+33
+332
* Menindee surcharge capacity – 2050 GL
** All Data is rounded to nearest GL **
# NSW takes control of Menindee Lakes when storage falls below 480 GL, and control reverts to MDBA when storage next reaches 640 GL
^ % of total active MDBA storage
Snowy Mountains Scheme
Storage
Lake Eucumbene - Total
Snowy-Murray Component
Target Storage
Snowy diversions for week ending 04 Aug 2015
Active Storage
(GL)
2 107
1 065
1 190
Weekly Change
(GL)
n/a
n/a
Diversion (GL)
From 1 May
2015
126
60
65
186
This Week
Snowy-Murray
Tooma-Tumut
Net Diversion
Murray 1 Release
+7
+9
-2
+15
Major Diversions from Murray and Lower Darling (GL) *
New South Wales
This Week
Murray Irrig. Ltd (Net)
Wakool Sys Allowance
Western Murray Irrigation
Licensed Pumps
Lower Darling
TOTAL
10.4
-0.2
0.1
0.5
0.1
10.9
From 1 July
2015
12
-1
-2
2
1
12
Victoria
This Week
Yarrawonga Main Channel (net)
Torrumbarry System + Nyah (net)
Sunraysia Pumped Districts
Licensed pumps - GMW (Nyah+u/s)
Licensed pumps - LMW
TOTAL
0.4
5.6
0.6
0
1.2
7.8
From 1
July 2015
1
4
1
0
5
11
* Figures derived from estimates and monthly data. Please note that not all data may have been available at the time of creating this report.
** All data above is rounded to nearest 100 ML for weekly data and nearest GL for cumulative data**
Flow to South Australia (GL)
* Flow to SA will be greater than normal
entitlement for this month due to the delivery of
additional environmental water.
Salinity (EC)
Entitlement this month
Flow this week
Flow so far this month
Flow last month
124.0 *
50.7
35.8
231.8
(7 200 ML/day)
(microSiemens/cm at 25o C)
Current
Swan Hill
Euston
Red Cliffs
Merbein
Burtundy (Darling)
Lock 9
Lake Victoria
Berri
Waikerie
Morgan
Mannum
Murray Bridge
Milang (Lake Alex.)
Poltalloch (Lake Alex.)
Meningie (Lake Alb.)
Goolwa Barrages
Average over the last week
70
130
160
900
180
180
260
330
300
330
380
710
670
1 960
1 330
GPO Box 1801 Canberra ACT 2601
Email: engagement@mdba.gov.au
Average since 1 August 2015
70
170
210
900
160
170
280
330
300
330
370
720
580
2 040
1 270
Telephone: 02 6279 0100
Web: www.mdba.gov.au
70
160
200
900
160
180
270
330
290
330
370
710
570
2 040
1 300
Facsimile: 02 6248 8053
ABN 13679821382
Page 5 of 9
River Levels and Flows
Week ending Wednesday 05 Aug 2015
7.3
-
2.53
3.14
2.07
2.35
1.39
2.54
2.41
2.81
2.25
1.03
2.55
1.51
3.02
3.62
0.85
209.05
220.03
155.70
150.82
148.83
128.56
117.45
106.65
80.80
63.95
51.67
43.35
27.78
20.55
-
(ML/day)
5 010
11 700
8 080
4 130
7 240
11 170
16 210
14 600
6 820
4 850
6 020
7 550
8 670
8 060
7 270
7 410
F
F
F
F
F
F
R
R
R
R
R
F
F
R
R
R
(ML/day)
3 370
8 200
7 690
7 880
10 440
12 740
13 510
11 830
5 540
4 440
6 620
8 480
6 880
6 820
6 890
6 320
Average
Flow last
Week
(ML/day)
2 200
6 190
4 080
11 630
13 520
10 560
6 510
5 750
5 050
5 490
7 120
7 960
8 150
7 490
5 860
5 850
2.8
11.9
9.0
5.5
5.0
6.1
9.0
-
2.56
10.22
1.42
0.94
2.19
1.26
1.98
3.47
4.16
0.85
155.79
147.90
92.84
80.71
57.57
54.75
57.94
-
3 190
7 870
830
700
1 540
180
1 590
690
640
0
F
F
F
F
F
S
F
R
R
F
2 960
7 090
850
630
1 540
190
1 660
470
490
0
2 100
5 440
680
1 220
1 440
210
1 550
280
530
0
15 710
13 750
Minor Flood
Stage
River Murray
Khancoban
Jingellic
Tallandoon ( Mitta Mitta River )
Heywoods
Doctors Point
Albury
Corowa
Yarrawonga Weir (d/s)
Tocumwal
Torrumbarry Weir (d/s)
Swan Hill
Wakool Junction
Euston Weir (d/s)
Mildura Weir (d/s)
Wentworth Weir (d/s)
Rufus Junction
Blanchetown (Lock 1 d/s)
(m)
Tributaries
Kiewa at Bandiana
Ovens at Wangaratta
Goulburn at McCoys Bridge
Edward at Stevens Weir (d/s)
Edward at Liewah
Wakool at Stoney Crossing
Murrumbidgee at Balranald
Barwon at Mungindi
Darling at Bourke
Darling at Burtundy Rocks
Gauge
local (m)
4.0
4.2
5.5
5.5
4.3
4.6
6.4
6.4
7.3
4.5
8.8
9.1
Height
(m AHD)
Flow
Trend
Average Flow
this Week
Natural Inflow to Hume
(i.e. Pre Dartmouth & Snowy Mountains scheme)
Weirs and Locks Pool levels above or below Full Supply Level (FSL)
Murray
Yarrawonga
No. 26 Torrumbarry
No. 15 Euston
No. 11 Mildura
No. 10 Wentworth
No. 9 Kulnine
No. 8 Wangumma
Lower Lakes
FSL (m AHD)
124.90
86.05
47.60
34.40
30.80
27.40
24.60
u/s
-0.07
+0.00
+0.21
-0.04
+0.15
+0.08
+0.08
d/s
+0.29
+0.38
+0.13
+0.13
FSL (m AHD)
22.10
19.25
16.30
13.20
9.80
6.10
3.20
No. 7 Rufus River
No. 6 Murtho
No. 5 Renmark
No. 4 Bookpurnong
No. 3 Overland Corner
No. 2 Waikerie
No. 1 Blanchetown
u/s
+0.04
+0.00
+0.00
+0.01
+0.06
+0.02
-0.05
d/s
+1.30
+0.11
+0.21
+0.91
+0.29
+0.27
+0.10
FSL = 0.75 m AHD
Lake Alexandrina average level for the past 5 days (m AHD)
Barrages
0.77
Fishways at Barrages
Openings
Level (m AHD)
No. Open
Goolwa
128 openings
0.66
All closed
Mundoo
26 openings
0.66
All closed
Boundary Creek
6 openings
0.1
Ewe Island
111 gates
All closed
Tauwitchere
322 gates
0.67
All closed
AHD = Level relative to Australian Height Datum, i.e. height above sea level
GPO Box 1801 Canberra ACT 2601
Email: engagement@mdba.gov.au
Rock Ramp
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Open
Vertical Slot
Open
Open
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Week ending Wednesday 05 Aug 2015
State Allocations (as at 05 Aug 2015)
NSW - Murray Valley
High security
General security
Victorian - Murray Valley
80%
0%
NSW – Murrumbidgee Valley
High security
General security
95%
12%
NSW :
VIC :
SA :
42%
0%
Victorian - Goulburn Valley
High reliability
Low reliability
50%
0%
South Australia – Murray Valley
NSW - Lower Darling
High security
General security
High reliability
Low reliability
20%
0%
High security
100%
http://www.water.nsw.gov.au/Water-management/Water-availability/Waterallocations/Water-allocations-summary/water-allocations-summary/default.aspx
http://www.nvrm.net.au/allocations/current.aspx
http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/managing-natural-resources/river-murray
GPO Box 1801 Canberra ACT 2601
Email: engagement@mdba.gov.au
Telephone: 02 6279 0100
Facsimile: 02 6248 8053
Web: www.mdba.gov.au
ABN 13679821382
Page 7 of 9
NEWS RELEASE
4/08/15
MEDIA CONTACT
Barrage flows to increase
significantly this week
Flows through the barrages will increase in coming days to help improve water quality in
Lake Albert and the Coorong, and to assist in scouring sand out of the Murray Mouth.
Jill Freear
Senior Media Adviser
Department of Environment,
Water and Natural Resources
Phone
(08) 8463 7412
Mobile 0428 046 360
Email jill.freear@sa.gov.au
www.environment.sa.gov.au
www.nrm.sa.gov.au
The Department of Environment, Water and natural Resources (DEWNR) Water Resource
Operations manager Jarrod Eaton said the operation will involve up to 30 gigalitres on
Thursday and Friday, most of which would be released through Mundoo, Ewe Island and
Tauwitchere barrages.
“A lower volume will be released through Goolwa barrage because the Goolwa channel is in
a comparatively better condition,” Mr Eaton said.
“The operation will increase water levels in the Coorong and flows through the Murray
Mouth over the next five days.
“All water users are advised that these flow conditions may present a hazard and people
should take care when entering the water and wear appropriate safety equipment.
“Previous operations where barrage releases have been significantly increased have resulted
in better water quality and improvements in the condition of the Murray Mouth.
“Monitoring will be carried out during the operation to check the condition of the Mouth
and water quality, as the proposed flow on Thursday will be the highest daily flow in more
than 12 months.
“The opportunity to adaptively manage lake levels and increase flows through the barrages
is the result of local rainfall, and the delivery of South Australia’s full Entitlement Flow and
environmental water. “
This operation is being led by DEWNR with support from SA Water and the Murray-Darling
Basin Authority.
The action is consistent with DEWNR’s commitment to improve salinity levels in the Lower
Lakes and implement actions to achieve Murray-Darling Basin Plan outcomes such as
maintaining an open Murray Mouth and exporting salt to the sea.
Page 8 of 9
MEDIA RELEASE
6 August 2015
Lake Mulwala and Mildura weir pool now at normal levels
Lake Mulwala and Mildura weir pool are back to normal operating levels after major works at
the weirs over winter.
An ongoing work program will continue to improve the Lake Mulwala foreshore and
refurbishment of Mildura’s lock 11 is expected to be finished by mid-September.
MDBA head of river management David Dreverman thanked communities and river users for
their understanding and cooperation.
“We had some essential infrastructure maintenance to complete this year and winter has given
us a window of opportunity to get it done.
“The works have been a success. Even with an extra check of the trestles at Mildura, we have
still managed to return to normal operating height this week as expected.
“With these works done, we are in the best possible place to manage the river well for local
industries and communities over the irrigation season,” Mr Dreverman said.
Goulburn–Murray Water did the works on behalf of the MDBA and Mr Dreverman thanked the
team for working hard to finish them quickly, safely and to a high standard.
Works at Yarrawonga included routine testing of weir anchors and erosion control on the lake
foreshore. The low lake level also helped to control the aquatic weed Egeria densa. GM Water
will continue to improve the condition of the foreshore as part of a five year program.
Works at Mildura included repairs to the concrete on the bed of the river and the installation of
new trestles. A vibration found in one trestle, turned out to be an easy fix. River users should
take note that lock 11 is expected to re-open in mid-September.
To keep up to date on the latest flow forecasts along the River Murray, visit the MDBA website:
www.mdba.gov.au/river-data/current-information-forecasts/storage-volumes
Summary information for the week is available in the River Murray weekly report:
www.mdba.gov.au/river-data/current-information-forecasts/weekly-report
END
For more information, contact the MDBA Media office at media@mdba.gov.au or 02 6279 0141
Follow @MD_Basin_Auth on Twitter: http://twitter.com/MD_Basin_Auth
Join the discussion on the MDBA blog: http://freeflow.mdba.gov.au
Page 9 of 9