River Murray Operations Weekly Report 22nd March 2017 · Web view2017/03/22 · weekly report River Murray w eekly r eport For the week ending Wednesday, 22 March 2017 Trim Ref:

RIVER MURRAY WEEKLY REPORTFOR THE WEEK ENDING WEDNESDAY, 22 MARCH 2023Trim Ref: D17/13920

Rainfall and inflowsHeavy rain along Australia’s east coast pushed further inland this week with humid and unstable conditions affecting large parts of the Murray–Darling Basin. The stormy nature of the rain meant totals were patchy, with some gauges receiving significant falls, while nearby locations largely missed out. Conditions in the far west and South Australia were mostly dry (Map 1).

The highest weekly totals in Victoria fell across the north and north-east and included 78 mm at Osbornes Flat, 67 mm at Mt Hotham, 53 mm at Wodonga and 36 mm at Tatura. Totals in NSW were highest over the northern tablelands and north-western plains and included 144 mm at Emmaville, 131 mm at Glen Innes, 100 mm at Condobolin, 98 mm at Pindari Dam and 76 mm at Walgett. Further south, totals included 82 mm at Forbes, 61 mm at Crookwell, 61 mm at Moulamein and 59 mm in the ACT at Tuggeranong. Totals in Queensland were heaviest over the Warrego catchment and the eastern Darling Downs and included 84 mm at Bollon, 72 mm at Beardy Junction and 61 mm at both Wallangarra and Glenorie.

Map 1 - Murray-Darling Basin rainfall week ending 22 March 2017 (Source: Bureau of Meteorology)

There were modest increases to stream flows along upper Murray tributaries towards the end of the week that have raised rates marginally from base flow levels. On the Mitta Mitta River, the flow at

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Hinnomunjie bridge increased from around 150 to 500 ML/day. On the upper Murray at Biggara, flows have increased from 200 to 500 ML/day. On the Ovens River, hot and mostly dry weather has meant flows during recent weeks have been at quite low rates - although at around 100 ML/day, the flow at locations such as Bright was still relatively good for the late summer period (Figure 1). Following this week’s rain, flows have increased, with Bright’s current flow rate close to 200 ML/day. For contrast, peak flows at the Bright gauge during the flood period last October were in excess of 9,000 ML/day.

Figure 1 – Low early autumn flows along the Ovens River near Bright have increased slightly following this week's rain. Photo courtesy Will Lucardie, MDBA.


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River operations

System operations

Operations during recent weeks continue to focus on releasing sufficient water from storage to meet system demands and steer towards targets at key locations, including Lake Victoria; while also aiming to conserve water and deliver it efficiently. However, actual releases and river flows are highly affected by both forecast and observed weather and demand conditions. Current Bureau of Meteorology outlooks suggest warm and dry conditions are more likely during the autumn period, however uncertainty always remains and significant rain events always remain a possibility. These can alter prevailing conditions and change system trends quickly. With significant water able to be supplied from the Menindee Lakes and via trade deliveries from the Murrumbidgee and Goulburn valleys, release requirements from Hume Reservoir remain quite low compared to many other years.

This combination of factors may result in quite low and variable flows along the mid-reaches of the River Murray during coming weeks, including the Easter period. River users are therefore advised to maintain a close eye on conditions and keep up to date via the MDBA Weekly Report when planning recreational or other activities.

Current Operations

Total MDBA storage decreased 149 GL this week, with the active storage now 5,684 GL (66% capacity).

At Dartmouth Reservoir, the storage volume decreased by 2 GL to 2,990 GL (78% capacity). The release from Dartmouth, measured at Colemans, was held at 300 ML/day throughout the week.

The Hume Reservoir storage volume decreased 73 GL this week and is currently 2,042 GL (68% capacity). Releases at the beginning of the week were increased to a rate of 18,000 ML/day in response to rising water orders downstream. This was Hume’s highest release rate so far in 2017. However, as forecasts for rain began emerging and then strengthened, the release was cut back over several days in anticipation of likely reductions to demands downstream. The release is now back at 7,800 ML/day, although higher releases are likely in a few days’ time if drier weather returns.

At Lake Mulwala diversions to Mulwala Canal and Yarrawonga Main Channel decreased considerably through the week as rain moved across irrigation districts. The diversion to Mulwala Canal decreased from 6,500 to 3,900 ML/day and may decrease further. Diversions to Yarrawonga Main Channel decreased from around 2,400 ML/day to 500 ML/day. In response to these rain rejections, the pool level has increased and is now at the normal maximum operating target of 124.90 m AHD. Similar high pool levels are expected over the coming days before decreasing.

The release downstream of Yarrawonga Weir started the week at 8,000 ML/day but has since been increased to the current rate of 9,500 ML/day to help manage the pool level rise. The release remains below the downstream channel capacity of around 10,000 ML/day and will be stepped back towards 8,000 ML/day once conditions permit.

Inflows to the Edward-Wakool system have remained fairly steady throughout the week, with around 1,600 ML/day flowing through the Edward River Offtake and just under 350 ML/day through the Gulpa Creek Offtake. At Stevens Weir, there were high diversions into the Wakool Main Canal at the beginning of the week of around 1,300 ML/day, however these have since fallen back following the rain to around 1,000 ML/day. Downstream of Stevens Weir, the flow has increased slightly and is currently at 1,000 ML/day.

On the Goulburn River, flows at McCoys Bridge continue to recede with the current rate at 3,000 ML/day. This flow includes the tail end of an environmental delivery as well as a component of IVT water that continues to be delivered to the Murray. Flow rates of around 1,200 ML/day are expected by early April.


Small temporary increase to flows downstream of Yarrawonga Menindee Lakes releases to decrease further Decreased Murray flow rates possible during April

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At Torrumbarry Weir, the pool remains at the full supply level (FSL) of 86.05 m AHD, while diversions to National Channel were decreased from around 3,400 to 2,800 ML/day. The downstream flow receded slightly during the early part of the week but has since increased to the current rate of around 6,000 ML/day in response to rainfall and the reduced National Channel diversion. The flow is expected to remain around 6,000 ML/day for a few more days before receding during early April. Actual flow rates during April will depend on the weather and resultant demand conditions that transpire.

On the Murrumbidgee River at Balranald, flows remained fairly steady at around 550 ML/day before a slight rise during the last couple of days. The current flow is 700 ML/day with similar rates expected during the coming week.

Downstream at Euston Weir, the pool level is currently 47.53 m AHD (7 cm below FSL) and will be further reduced to around 20 cm below FSL over the coming days as part of the weir pool variability program. The flow rate downstream of Euston has remained fairly steady at around 5,000 ML/day with similar rates expected in the coming days.

In the northern Basin, rainfall during the last couple of weeks has resulted in some reasonably significant streamflow responses along the upstream reaches of several tributaries. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued minor to moderate flood warnings for a number of rivers including the McIntyre, Moonie and Bogan. However, responses have been fairly short in duration and at this stage, volumes flowing into the Barwon-Darling River are expected to remain small unless there is further heavy rain in the coming days and weeks.

Downstream at the Menindee Lakes the total storage volume decreased by 36 GL to the current volume of 950 GL (55% capacity). The release from Menindee Lakes into the lower Darling River has decreased slightly with the flow at Weir 32 currently 1,900 ML/day. This release rate will be reduced during the coming week in response to changing forecast downstream requirements, with flows of 1,500 ML/day expected in a few days’ time. See the attached media release for more details. At the Lake Cawndilla outlet, the release by NSW is currently around 1,100 ML/day. The bulk of this release is environmental water for the Great Darling Anabranch and this action is expected to continue over the coming weeks.

At the confluence of the Darling and Murray Rivers at Wentworth, flows have remained steady. A flow of 5,700 ML/day has continued for several days. A slow recession is expected for the coming week.

Downstream at Lock 8, the weir pool level is currently 32cm below FSL. The pool level will remain around this level for a few more days. Starting late March, the pool level is expected to be gradually lowered again, to around 1 metre below FSL. At Lock 7, the weir pool level is currently 10 cm below FSL and will be varied around FSL for a few more days. Starting late March, the pool level is expected to be gradually lowered again, to around 90 cm below FSL by early April.

At Lake Victoria, the storage volume decreased by 38 GL to 376 GL (56% capacity). The level will continue to drop away during the coming week. The flow into South Australia peaked at 11,200 ML/day on 18 March with rates boosted by the delivery of environmental flow pulses released from upstream storages several weeks’ ago. The flow rate during mid-March has been a little lower than was previously expected due to additional trades of water out of South Australia to users upstream. Downstream at Lock 1, the flow increased to a peak of 7,400 ML/day on 21 March and is now slowly receding. The current flow is 7,100 ML/day.

At the Lower Lakes, the 5-day average water level in Lake Alexandrina decreased 2 cm to 0.59 m AHD. Releases through the barrages are continuing, although gates at Goolwa and Mundoo barrage have been closed at times to manage reverse flows of sea water due to high tides and large swells. This has reduced the total release, which has been around 4,000 ML/day during recent days.

For media inquiries contact the Media Officer on 02 6279 0141

DAVID DREVERMANExecutive Director, River Management


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Water in Storage Week ending Wednesday 22 Mar 2017

MDBA StoragesFull

Supply Level

Full Supply Volume

Current Storage

LevelCurrent Storage Dead

StorageActive

Storage

Change in Total

Storage for the Week

(m AHD) (GL) (m AHD) (GL) % (GL) (GL) (GL)Dartmouth Reservoir 486.00 3 856 471.75 2 990 78% 71 2 919 -2Hume Reservoir 192.00 3 005 186.66 2 042 68% 23 2 019 -73Lake Victoria 27.00 677 24.31 376 56% 100 276 -38Menindee Lakes 1 731* 950 55% (480 #) 470 -36Total 9 269 6 358 69% - - 5 684 -149Total Active MDBA Storage 66% ^

Major State StoragesBurrinjuck Reservoir 1 026 696 68% 3 693 -18Blowering Reservoir 1 631 1 122 69% 24 1 098 -19Eildon Reservoir 3 334 2 278 68% 100 2 178 -33

* Menindee surcharge capacity – 2050 GL ** All Data is rounded to nearest GL ** # NSW has sole access to water when the storage falls below 480 GL. MDBA regains access to water when the storage next reaches 640 GL.^ % of total active MDBA storage

Snowy Mountains Scheme Snowy diversions for week ending 21 Mar 2017 Storage Active Storage

(GL)Weekly Change

(GL) Diversion (GL) This Week From 1 May 2016

Lake Eucumbene - Total 1 814 n/a Snowy-Murray +15 991Snowy-Murray Component 797 n/a Tooma-Tumut +0 335Target Storage 1 410 Net Diversion 15 657 Murray 1 Release +19 1 402

Major Diversions from Murray and Lower Darling (GL) *New South Wales This Week From 1 July

2016 Victoria This Week From 1 July 2016

Murray Irrig. Ltd (Net) 35.8 771 Yarrawonga Main Channel (net) 10 187Wakool Sys Allowance 2.3 22 Torrumbarry System + Nyah (net) 20.6 344Western Murray Irrigation 0.6 21 Sunraysia Pumped Districts 2.7 86Licensed Pumps 11.3 194 Licensed pumps - GMW (Nyah+u/s) 2.8 25Lower Darling 8.1 49 Licensed pumps - LMW 3.4 265TOTAL 58.1 1057 TOTAL 39.5 907

* Figures are derived from actual and estimates where data is unavailable. 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.

Entitlement this month 186.0 * Flow this week 74.1 (10 600 ML/day)Flow so far this month 207.3Flow last month 258.1

Salinity (EC) (microSiemens/cm at 25o C) Current Average over the last week Average since 1 August 2016Swan Hill 80 90 120Euston - - -Red Cliffs 180 190 170Merbein 120 170 170Burtundy (Darling) 510 510 600Lock 9 320 320 210Lake Victoria 280 250 190Berri 390 410 260Waikerie 520 510 320Morgan 520 520 320Mannum 510 490 320Murray Bridge 340 350 290Milang (Lake Alex.) 520 500 500Poltalloch (Lake Alex.) 530 530 370Meningie (Lake Alb.) 1 790 1 730 1 750


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Goolwa Barrages 610 630 1 020

River Levels and Flows Week ending Wednesday 22 Mar 2017

Minor Flood Stage Gauge Height Flow Trend Average Flow

this Week

Average Flow last

WeekRiver Murray (m) local (m) (m AHD) (ML/day) (ML/day) (ML/day)Khancoban - - - 4 520 F 2 480 1 820Jingellic 4.0 1.73 208.25 4 470 R 2 800 1 850Tallandoon ( Mitta Mitta River ) 4.2 1.47 218.36 740 R 600 1 190Heywoods 5.5 2.72 156.35 9 560 F 13 900 15 040Doctors Point 5.5 2.69 151.16 10 990 F 14 680 16 110Albury 4.3 1.69 149.13 - - - -Corowa 4.6 2.89 128.91 13 400 F 15 580 14 740Yarrawonga Weir (d/s) 6.4 1.56 116.60 9 480 R 8 240 7 930Tocumwal 6.4 2.14 105.98 7 570 R 7 220 7 150Torrumbarry Weir (d/s) 7.3 2.14 80.69 6 010 R 5 650 6 580Swan Hill 4.5 1.07 63.99 5 180 R 5 300 5 550Wakool Junction 8.8 2.53 51.65 5 290 R 5 420 6 120Euston Weir (d/s) 9.1 1.14 42.98 4 820 F 5 050 5 560Mildura Weir (d/s) - - 5 290 F 5 370 4 920Wentworth Weir (d/s) 7.3 2.86 27.62 5 740 S 5 670 5 930Rufus Junction - 4.00 20.93 9 830 R 9 770 8 830Blanchetown (Lock 1 d/s) - 0.78 - 7 060 F 7 240 5 430 Tributaries Kiewa at Bandiana 2.8 0.92 154.15 420 R 380 320Ovens at Wangaratta 11.9 7.99 145.67 600 R 430 480Goulburn at McCoys Bridge 9.0 2.60 94.02 3 060 F 3 470 4 220Edward at Stevens Weir (d/s) 5.5 1.33 81.10 1 030 F 870 600Edward at Liewah - 0.93 56.31 450 R 450 520Wakool at Stoney Crossing - 1.48 54.97 560 R 560 610Murrumbidgee at Balranald 5.0 1.13 57.09 720 R 580 640Barwon at Mungindi 6.1 3.19 - 70 R 30 20Darling at Bourke 9.0 4.15 - 540 R 300 100Darling at Burtundy Rocks - 1.32 - 1 920 F 2 010 2 340 Natural Inflow to Hume 1 140 380

(i.e. Pre Dartmouth & Snowy Mountains scheme)

Weirs and Locks Pool levels above or below Full Supply Level (FSL)Murray FSL (m AHD) u/s d/s FSL (m AHD) u/s d/sYarrawonga 124.90 +0.00 - No. 7 Rufus River 22.10 -0.10 +1.66No. 26 Torrumbarry 86.05 +0.00 - No. 6 Murtho 19.25 +0.02 +0.30No. 15 Euston 47.60 -0.07 - No. 5 Renmark 16.30 +0.03 +0.36No. 11 Mildura 34.40 +0.04 +0.08 No. 4 Bookpurnong 13.20 +0.02 +1.08No. 10 Wentworth 30.80 +0.04 +0.22 No. 3 Overland Corner 9.80 +0.04 +0.38No. 9 Kulnine 27.40 -0.06 -0.27 No. 2 Waikerie 6.10 -0.00 +0.29No. 8 Wangumma 24.60 -0.32 +0.05 No. 1 Blanchetown 3.20 -0.10 +0.03

Lower Lakes FSL = 0.75 m AHDLake Alexandrina average level for the past 5 days (m AHD) 0.59

Barrages Fishways at Barrages

OpeningsLevel (m AHD) No. Open Rock Ramp

Vertical Slot 1 Vertical Slot 2

Dual Vertical Slots

Goolwa 128 openings 0.66 All closed - Open Open -Mundoo 26 openings 0.49 All closed - - - OpenHunters Creek - - - - Open - -Boundary Creek 6 openings - 1 - Open - -Ewe Island 111 gates - All closed - - - OpenTauwitchere 322 gates 0.58 10 Open Open Open -

AHD = Level relative to Australian Height Datum, i.e. height above sea level


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Week ending Wednesday 22 Mar 2017

State Allocations (as at 22 Mar 2017)NSW - Murray Valley Victorian - Murray Valley

High security 100%General security 100%

High reliability 100%Low reliability 5%

NSW – Murrumbidgee Valley Victorian - Goulburn ValleyHigh security 100%General security 100%

High reliability 100%Low reliability 0%

NSW - Lower Darling South Australia – Murray ValleyHigh security 100%General security 100%

High security 100%

NSW : http://www.water.nsw.gov.au/water-management/water-availabilityVIC : http://nvrm.net.au/seasonal-determinations/currentSA : http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/managing-natural-resources/river-murray

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System Operation UpdateStatus report for Menindee Lakes – 24 March

WaterNSW manages the Menindee lakes system to supply licensed customers including Essential Water and Lower Darling landholders, as well as ensuring water security for the region.

The Menindee Lakes System is currently holding approximately 950 gigalitres (GL), or 51% of its total capacity. Since 14 December 2016, when the volume in storage peaked at1,578 GL, the total water stored in the lakes has reduced by 628 GL, of which 377 GL was released to meet downstream demands.

This includes 45 GL released from Lake Cawndilla into Redbank Creek to deliver flows into the Great Darling Anabranch for environmental purposes. These releases are forecast to continue into June.

Lake Pamamaroo at 305 GL (111%) remains surcharged, while Lake Wetherell holds111 GL (56%), Lake Menindee holds 205 GL (27%) and Lake Cawndilla holds about 327 GL(48%).

As the demand for water in the River Murray system continues to decrease, particularly following recent rainfall, the MDBA’s need to direct water from the Menindee lakes into the Murray is likewise decreasing.

MDBA orders have reduced this week to 1.5 GL/day and are likely to decrease further in April. However, should conditions turn warmer and drier, it is possible that MDBA orders from Menindee lakes may need to be increased again to meet late season demands in the River Murray.

WaterNSW has also started releasing 250 ML/day from Lake Pamamaroo to address water quality issues at Weir 32.

WaterNSW is continually assessing the current forecast releases for the MDBA and OEH to optimise the distribution of water between the upper and lower lakes. At this stage it looks likely that the volume in the lakes will remain above 600 GL this season.

Contact:

WaterNSW, Tony Webber 0428 613 478

MDBA Media: 02 6279 0141

WaterNSW PO Box 1018 7 Commercial Avenue, Dubbo NSW 2830Phone: 1300 662 077 www.waternsw.com.au

ABN 21 147 934 787

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Menindee Storage Levels, inflows, outflows and losses at a glance

Storage Inflows (ML) from

1 Jan 17 to22 Mar 17

Volume (ML) 1 Jan 17

Volume (ML) 22 Mar 17

Releases (ML) from 1 Jan 17 to22 Mar 17

Evaporation (ML) from

1 Jan 17 to22 Mar 17

Lake Wetherell 11,483 244,901(128%)

110,718(56%)

70,926 49,808

Lake Pamamaroo

334,863(124%)

304,666(118%)

0 43,423

Lake Menindee*

443,442(69%)

205,154(27%)

228,090 93,769

Lake Cawndilla*

500,701(78%)

327,035(48%)

44,550 61,592

Total Volume 11,483 1,523,908(88%)

947,573(51%)

343,566 248,592

*Lake Menindee and Cawndilla are connected, and water flows between these lakes, while the storages are above a combined 25%.

Approximate stream level - stream flow relation for Darling River @ US Weir 32, Pooncarrie and Burtundy

Current dam storage information is available on the WaterNSW website www.waternsw.com.au

WaterNSW PO Box 1018 7 Commercial Avenue, Dubbo NSW 2830Phone: 1300 662 077 www.waternsw.com.au

ABN 21 147 934 787

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US Weir-32 Pooncarrie BurtundyHeight

(m)Flow

(ML/day)Height

(m)Flow

(ML/day)Height

(m)Flow

(ML/day)1.34 200 1.74 200 0.76 2001.41 300 1.81 300 0.80 3001.52 500 1.94 500 0.87 5001.72 1,000 2.22 1000 1.01 10001.85 1,500 2.44 1500 1.20 15001.97 2,000 2.63 2000 1.41 20002.15 3,000 2.96 3000 2.00 30002.29 4,000 3.34 4000 2.63 40002.41 5,000 3.77 5000 3.17 50002.54 6,000 4.23 6000 3.63 60002.60 6,500 4.46 6500 3.85 6500

River Murray Operations Weekly Report 22nd March 2017 · Web view2017/03/22 · weekly report River Murray w eekly r eport For the week ending Wednesday, 22 March 2017 Trim Ref:

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