The southern Murray–Darling Basin tracked some of its highest rainfall and inflow totals on record at the tail end of 2022. This is according to the MDBA’s 2022-23 Annual Operating Outlook update.
The update details how the Murray–Darling Basin Authority may run the River Murray under various climate and rainfall scenarios. It will help water users and river managers with future planning. Usually released before Christmas, the update was delayed until the main River Murray flood peak had passed.
MDBA Executive Director of River Management Andrew Reynolds said the report highlighted the widespread rain and flooding that has dominated the 2022 water year.
“The volume of water flowing into the River Murray system in November and December was the largest in 127 years,” Reynolds said.
“This followed record-breaking rainfall in many southern Basin communities, particularly between August and December. It is heartening to see the Murray River system positioned to provide strong water availability well into 2023-24. This also means it is unlikely the MDBA will need to draw water from the Menindee Lakes anytime soon,” he said.
Mr Reynolds said parts of the Murray could return to regulated conditions if conditions remain relatively dry. However, water storage in the Murray River system remained very high for this time of year. Dartmouth Dam and Hume Dam are virtually full, and the Menindee Lakes are above 100 per cent.
“The release of water to manage airspace has already started at Dartmouth Dam. If moderate rain persists into autumn, releases from Hume Dam will be required as we approach winter.
“The latest climate outlook issued by the Bureau of Meteorology points to average rainfall across the Basin for February to April 2023. There is a possible trend to drier conditions from March to May 2023.”
The MDBA prepares the River Murray System Annual Operating Outlook. They received input from the New South Wales, Victorian and South Australian governments.
The update to the 2022-23 Annual Operating Outlook is available here.
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