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Darwin Dams Register Record Early Overflows Following Intense Wet Season Start

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Unusually High Water Levels Recorded in Darwin Region Dams

Fogg Dam and Darwin River Dam, a primary water source for Darwin, Northern Territory, have reached unusually high water levels following an early and intense start to the region's wet season.

Darwin River Dam Overflows

Darwin River Dam began overflowing its spillway on New Year's Eve, after its catchment received more than 200 millimeters of rain throughout December. Danny Browne, Senior Water Services Coordinator for the Northern Territory's Power and Water Corporation (PWC), noted that this is the earliest and fastest the dam has spilled in his 15 years in the role.

Contributing Weather Events

The elevated water levels are attributed to two significant weather events:

  • Cyclone Fina: In November, Cyclone Fina impacted the region, causing Darwin River Dam to rise approximately 800 millimeters within a 24-hour period. This cyclone was one of the earliest recorded to affect the Top End in a season.
  • Monsoon System: A monsoon system developed over the territory during the Christmas week, further contributing to the increased rainfall and dam levels.
Water Security Implications

The high water levels at the start of the new year ensure strong water security for Darwin, according to PWC officials.