WaterNSW has announced Wyangala Dam releases will likely be increased in anticipation of weekend rain forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology.
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The storage level currently sits above 95 per cent of capacity and, on current releases, is projected to rise to 96 per cent by July 31 as a result of ongoing inflows generated by multiple rain events.
The Lachlan Airspace Reference Panel has recommended continuing a minimum airspace target of 7.1 per cent of capacity by maintaining the dam level at a maximum of 92.9 per cent where possible.
Accordingly, dam releases have been increased to nine gigalitres per day (GL/day) and will likely be increased in coming days.
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The dam releases are planned to coincide with downstream tributary flows to maintain flows at Cotton's Weir in Forbes at minor flood level of 16 GL/d.
The flow targets are set in consultation with NSW State Emergency Service and the Lachlan Airspace Reference Panel, which will meet again this week to review the current situation and consider ongoing airspace targets.
WaterNSW advises landholders and other water users to monitor changing river heights and the need for precautions regarding livestock and infrastructure, and heed any future advice from the BOM regarding potential flood impacts.
WaterNSW will continue to work with the BOM to monitor the rain forecast and inflow projections.
This follows a prediction made last week by WaterNSW that there is an 80 per cent chance Wyangala Dam will fill by October 1 this year with a 30 per cent chance it will spill by the end of August.
At the time of publication on Friday, the dam was sitting at 95.3 per cent.
For more information on WaterNSW storages visit: www.waternsw.com.au
To access WaterNSW information on river heights and flow data visit: WaterInsights
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