There has been some excitement recently with the first natural flows in the Wimmera River for several years - and these flows have now reached Dimboola.
Above-average rainfall in the catchment area over the last couple of months has seen some sections of the river flow for the first time in a few years.
Wimmera CMA chief executive David Brennan says with some small yet well-timed rain events in May, June and July, it is good to see creeks and rivers flow naturally.
“We stopped environmental water delivery at the end of June as natural flows have occurred over the majority of the system. It is the first time this has happened for some time,” he said.
But Mr Brennan said conditions remained fragile with less than average rain falling in July and Bureau of Meteorology forecasting a warmer than average spring.
“Although the late autumn and winter rain so far has resulted in river flows, it has not been enough to have a significant impact on the low levels of Wimmera and Grampians storages. Our priority is to manage water for the environment conservatively and efficiently to help our rivers and creeks get through spring and summer and beyond.”
Flows reach the northern Wimmera
The river height recording station upstream (Horsham side) of Dimboola recorded a gradual height increase – of around 40cm – late last week.
At Lochiel, the increase has been more pronounced, with the gauge registering an extra metre of water in the four days from last Thursday.
Wimmera River at US Dimboola
Wimmera River at Lochiel
Graphs above as at 11.30am Monday 19th August, sourced from bom.gov.au.
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