Warragamba Dam forecast to spill in coming days
31 MAY 2024WaterNSW is advising the public that based on current rainfall forecasts by the Bureau of Meteorology, there is a possibility Warragamba Dam may experience a minor spill in coming days.
The Warragamba Dam storage level is currently at 98.2% of capacity. WaterNSW modelling based on Bureau forecast indicates that it will likely require an average of 35mm of rainfall over the catchment in 48 hours to produce a spill.
The exact timing and volume of any spill will depend on timing and location of rainfall over the catchment and the resulting inflow to the dam.
Tallowa, Medlow and Middle Cascades dams are already spilling and it is likely that a number of other smaller Greater Sydney dams may spill including Cataract, Nepean and Woronora.
The community should continue to monitor advice on river levels and any flood warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology.
Background
Spills from Warragamba Dam are not uncommon, occurring more than 50 times since 1960. In 2024 there have been spills on 12 May and 6 April.
The Warragamba Dam catchment area covers 9000 sq/km and stretches across much of the Blue Mountains to Goulburn in the south, and to Lithgow in the north.
- For the latest weather and flood information, check the Bureau website – bom.gov.au/
- For emergency information, contact the NSW SES – 132 500 or ses.nsw.gov.au