Warragamba nearing capacity, spill possible within days
5 JUNE 2024WaterNSW is advising the public that based on the current rain forecast, Warragamba Dam is likely to again exceed capacity, resulting in a spill in coming days.
WaterNSW modelling based on current Bureau forecasts indicates that Warragamba will likely fill and spill, though the exact timing and volume will depend on catchment rainfall and the resulting inflow to the dam.
The community should continue to monitor advice on river levels and any flood warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology.
Based on the most likely Bureau forecast of 35mm of rain across the catchment over a 48-hour period Warragamba could experience a spill. Under the less likely, higher end Bureau forecast of 75mm in 48 hours the dam would experience a more significant spill.
Warragamba currently sits at 97.8% of capacity, as part of a Greater Sydney dam network total of 97.4%.
Should the dam spill, it will be the third such event since April. Dams including Warragamba release excess water via the downstream spillway once the storage capacity exceeds 100%.
It is likely a number of smaller Greater Sydney dams will also spill including Woronora, Nepean and Tallowa while Cataract, Cordeaux and Avon dams could possibly fill and spill.
Check the Bureau website to receive the latest weather and flood information – http://www.bom.gov.au
For emergency information, contact the NSW SES – 132 500 or https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au