Towong Shire Council

Towong Shire Council has a history of flooding including significant flood events in January 2012 and 2010, which impacted the townships of Walwa and Jingellic.

Floods in this area have often destroyed or damaged roads and bridges. Large trees and plant debris regularly block waterways. When these blockages give way, this can create powerful surges of water and unexpected rises in river levels.

Flash floods from steep mountain creeks often flood roads such as Murray River Road in Victoria, isolating valley communities, and camping areas. Major settlements in the Upper Murray area are above the Murray River floodplain, however high river levels in the Murray River can cause floodwater to back up into surrounding creeks resulting in longer periods of high water, or even second flood peaks. This can also cause isolation and increase damage to local areas.

The lead time to respond to a flood event may be limited. All households and businesses at risk of flooding should develop an emergency plan and beware of their flood risk.

Are you at risk of flood?

The Upper Murray area has a significant history of flooding since records began. During recent floods, one house, many farms, riverside camping areas and sportsgrounds in and around Walwa were flooded for several days.

Floods in this area have often destroyed or damaged roads and bridges. In the area, large trees and plant debris regularly block waterways. When these blockages give way, this can create powerful surges of water and unexpected rises in river levels.

Flash floods from steep mountain creeks often flood roads such as Murray River Road in Victoria or River Road in New South Wales, isolating valley communities, and camping areas.

Major settlements in the Upper Murray area are above the Murray River floodplain, however high river levels in the Murray River can cause floodwater to back up into surrounding creeks resulting in longer periods of high water, or even second flood peaks. This can also cause isolation and increase damage to local areas.

When camping, regularly check local river heights and weather warnings. If floods occur, move immediately to higher ground and only move vehicles and camping gear if safe to do so.

The map to the right shows a 1% flood in the Upper Murray area. A 1% flood means that there is a 1% chance of a flood this size or larger occurring in any given year. A 1% flood measures about 7.91 metres on the Jingellic Gauge (approximate 2012 flood level).

There are eight river height gauges along the Murray River and its rivers and creeks in the Upper Murray area (see link below). River gauges monitor river levels and may be used in flood warnings and information. Some river gauges have flood class levels of minor, moderate and major set and can provide a prediction of flood heights expected, while others show height in metres (m).