Murray Darling River operations Update

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Murray Darling River operations Update - 11 April 2014
MDBA active storage decreased by 46 GL this week and is currently 4,727 GL or 56% capacity.

At Dartmouth Reservoir, storage decreased by 7 GL to 3,431 GL (89% capacity). The release, measured at the Colemans gauge, was decreased to a low of 500 ML/day over the weekend before increasing again to 4,000 ML/day (due to AGL Hydro commencing an entitlement release for hydro-electric power generation).

At Hume Reservoir, the storage volume fell by just 19 GL this week, with total storage now down to 1,057 GL (36% capacity). The release was increased to around 9,400 ML/day at the start of the week before reductions were made as downstream demands softened ahead of forecast rain. The current release of 6,700 ML/day is likely to decrease further in the coming days.

At Yarrawonga Weir, diversions at the major irrigation offtakes increased marginally before dropping right back as demand fell away. Very low diversions are expected during the coming week. The pool level in Lake Mulwala was fairly steady for much of the week but, as of 10 April, the level had risen above 124.8 m AHD as rain continues. A pool level close to FSL (124.9 m AHD) is expected this weekend.

The downstream release from Yarrawonga Weir was reduced to 6,000 ML/day on 8 April. It is anticipated that slightly higher releases will be maintained during the next few days to manage the pool level before reductions re-commence. The release as of 10 April had increased to 9,500 ML/day.

On the Edward River system, total flow through the Edward River and Gulpa Creek offtakes has eased slightly. Downstream at Stevens Weir, the flow downstream increased from around 600 to 800 ML/day.

On the Goulburn River, flows at McCoys Bridge have receded throughout the week, with the current flow at 1,650 ML/day. Rain currently falling over the catchment may increase unregulated tributary inflows; however, at this stage, flows along the lower Goulburn are not expected to rise to any significant degree.

Downstream at Torrumbarry Weir, diversions at National Channel decreased markedly from around 3,000 to 1,000 ML/day as demand fell away. A further reduction is possible in the days ahead. The downstream flow at Torrumbarry is currently about 4,000 ML/day. Higher flows are expected during the coming week as undiverted water is passed downstream.

On the Murrumbidgee River, the flow at Balranald is currently 290 ML/day. Downstream at Euston Weir, the release is increasing as higher flows from the Goulburn River continue to arrive.

On the Darling River system, tributary inflows resulting from recent rain in the northern Basin are now flowing along the Barwon River and into the Darling. On the Barwon River at Walgett, the flow peaked at 6,700 ML/day on 4 April and rises are now being seen downstream at Bourke. At Menindee Lakes, the storage decreased by 4 GL and is now at 383 GL (22% capacity). The release continues to target a flow of 350 ML/day at Weir 32.

At Lake Victoria, essential maintenance works on the outlet structure continue. The storage volume has decreased to 410 GL (61% capacity) and the flow to South Australia is currently 7,200 ML/day, with a target of 8,000 ML/day for the next few days.

At the Lower Lakes, the 5-day average level in Lake Alexandrina is 0.62 m AHD. Releases through the Barrages have been further increased, with the current outflow estimated at around 2,200 ML/day.
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