The NSW Department of Planning and Environment has suspended planned environmental water releases from Jindabyne Dam that were scheduled to take place on 24 October and 31 October.

The water releases have been superseded by flood mitigation releases that Snowy Hydro are currently undertaking to control the water level in Lake Jindabyne. The current flood mitigation releases have been in place in recent weeks. These can reach flow rates of 5,000 megalitres per day, are necessary due to the spring snowmelt and wetter than usual weather conditions.

Snowy Hydro has indicated that pre-releases will help mitigate ‘unplanned spills’ and the current releases will be greater than the environmental releases notified on Snowy Hydro’s website, which may change at short notice in response to the weather conditions.

During the releases by Snowy Hydro, landholders downstream of the Jindabyne Dam are advised to take all necessary precautions with stock, fencing and property in proximity to the river. As the releases flow through the system, people should refrain from entering or crossing swollen waterways.

On Tuesday October 18 water flows were running quite high at Dalgety, as can be seen by the attached image. Lake Jindabyne is currently sitting at 95.88 % capacity with still a huge snow melt to occur from a big winter season. For people interested in lake levels, Lake Eucumbene is currently sitting at 55.92%

Snowy Hydro will continue to keep the community informed about management of water in Lake Jindabyne through its website and social media channels.

More information on the Snowy River Initiative can be found here at: www.industry.nsw.gov.au/water/basins-catchments/snowy-river/initiative/increased-flows