Design and operation of Menindee Lakes

The works forming the Menindee Lakes Storage Scheme comprise weirs, 2 inlet regulators, 4 outlet regulators, levees and channels. The works have increased the capacity of the natural lakes, and allow the regulation of most flows (except for large floods).

River gauging stations upstream are used for predicting inflows to the Menindee Lakes. Two key gauging stations often used for predicting inflows are located at Bourke (approximately 15 days upstream) and Wilcannia. 'Losses' on the floodplain of the Darling River can be highly variable and accurately predicting inflows can be difficult.

Flows enter the lake system via Lake Wetherell, and can pass downstream to Lake Pamamaroo, Lake Menindee and Lake Cawndilla. Releases are made from Lake Menindee and Lake Wetherell into the Darling River. Releases can be made from Lake Cawndilla to the Great Darling Anabranch.

The Lakes have a nominal full supply volume of 1 731 GL but can be surcharged above this level under certain conditions. The combined surface area of the 4 lakes when full is approximately 50 square kilometres.

A weir on the Darling River (known as 'the Main Weir') raises the water in the river to 12 metres above bed level. Water can then flow, even under low flow conditions, into the Menindee Lakes.