The gated spillways at Lake Eildon — and Cairn Curran on the Loddon River further west — help Goulburn-Murray Water manage release from the two storages more proactively.
Unlike fixed crest spillways, the gated spillways provide G-MW with the option of releasing water from the storages below flood levels to create room for further inflows.
“We have managed Cairn Curran and Lake Eildon so we can mitigate the effects of any inflows on the communities downstream,” G-MW emergency controller Sam Green said.
“For example, during these floods, inflows to Lake Eildon peaked at 100,000ML per day, but releases from Lake Eildon have never exceeded 38,000ML/d.”
As of 3pm on Sunday, October 23, releases from Eildon were reducing from 15,500ML/d to 12,000 ML/d.
“However, people need to be aware that releases from these storages are just one factor effecting downstream conditions,” Mr Green said.
“All our rivers have many tributaries feeding them that can contribute to higher water levels.”
With forecasts of potential heavy rainfall events in Victoria’s north on Monday, October 24, Mr Green said it was crucial people prepared for higher flows downstream of major water storages.
“There is still a lot of water in storages and waterways from the floods earlier in the month,” he said.
“Many storages, including Lake Eppalock, Tullaroop Reservoir and Lake Nillahcootie are spilling, meaning any inflows these storages receive will eventually make their way downstream.
“Farmers should have machinery and livestock moved to higher ground, and people should keep checking the VicEmergency App or website to stay across any warnings.”
During a flood event in Victoria, G-MW works with the SES to minimise the impact of any flooding.
G-MW also provides information to the SES and the Bureau of Meteorology to help inform warnings they announce.
Flood warnings for rivers and streams are issued by the SES via the VicEmergency website at www.emergency.vic.gov.au
The BoM issues weather warnings at http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/warnings/