Close to 70,000 ML of water will flow into the Snowy River below Jindabyne in September and October, as Snowy Hydro completes its annual high flow releases.
The high flow releases, which are managed under the Snowy River Increased Flows (SRIF) program, are designed to mimic the natural flow of the Snowy River, which would typically see more water in Spring as the snow melts.
The increased flows follow a bumper snow season across the Snowy Mountains. Snow depth at Spencers Creek, which is monitored by Snowy, reached 220cm - the first time since 2022 the snow depth has topped two meters.
Snowy Hydro Water Modelling Manager Sander van Tol said spillway releases are only possible once the reservoir reaches a certain level.
"We haven't been able to release water via the spillway at Jindabyne Dam since May 2023 as water levels have been considerably lower following two dryer than average years.
"We work closely with the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water to ensure we're getting the most out of the water available for environmental releases.
"In the lead up to our high flow releases, we conduct forecasting and determine a range of inflow scenarios, as well outflow scenarios such as evaporation and daily release targets. This helps us understand whether it will be possible to deliver a flushing flow."
High flow events support the health of the Snowy River, improving the condition of in-stream habitat for the native wildlife.
"Working on the environmental release program is very rewarding. I support the development of environmental release targets with the NSW Government, and it's great to see the program is improving the health of our rivers while also providing enjoyment for local communities, including those downstream," said Mr van Tol.
