Snowy River communities are being advised three high-flow environmental water releases will be made from Jindabyne Dam between late-July and mid-September this year as part of ongoing efforts to maintain the river’s ecological health.
The planned releases for the 2026-27 water year have been organised by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) in close consultation with the Snowy Advisory Committee and Snowy Hydro.
The high-flow releases include:
– July 28 2026 – daily flow of 2430 ML/d over 24 hours, with equivalent peak flow 3000 ML/d for eight hours from 8am-4pm
– August 18 2026 – daily flow of 1986 ML/d over 24 hours, with equivalent peak flow 2600 ML/d for eight hours from 8am-4pm
– September 10 2026 – daily flow of 3046 ML/d over 24 hours with equivalent peak flow of 4500 ML/d for eight hours from 8am-4pm.
In addition to the high-flow releases, frequent smaller releases will be made throughout the year.
“High-flow water releases are designed to better mimic the natural flow characteristics that are seen in Snowy Mountain rivers, including snowmelt and ‘freshes’ that occurred before the construction of the Snowy scheme, with the aim of improving the long-term health of these river systems,” NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Director Murray Daling Basin and Intergovernmental, Samatha McCallum said.
“We’ll also be making frequent smaller releases throughout the year which have been shown to improve river health by establishing a new smaller channel, wetting the riparian zone and promoting the establishment of aquatic and riparian vegetation.
“There will be no flushing flow this year due to drier conditions. A flushing flow was possible in 2025–26 because allocations and dam levels were higher, and we do not consider it an ecological priority to deliver a second flushing flow within 12 months.
“Downstream landholders and visitors to the area are encouraged to make appropriate plans ahead of the water releases, including securing watercraft and moving stock, pumps and infrastructure to higher ground and being aware of flows.”
This flow regime aims to improve Snowy River health, a key objective of the Snowy Water Inquiry Outcomes Implementation Deed 2002, a tri-government agreement between the Australian, New South Wales and Victorian Governments.
The NSW Government will keep the public informed and issue reminders closer to each high-flow event.
It is important to note the plan is subject to change, depending on weather, operational and environmental conditions.
As an outcome of the Snowy Water Licence Review, flexible delivery of smaller flows will also continue, enabling the volume and timing of releases under 2500 ML per day to quickly change to respond to natural cues such as rainfall events.
Please check the DCCEEW website for any changes closer to each of the planned events.
