Dam flood alert continues while rain sweeps state’s north
The chance of an Adelaide Hills private dam failing has reduced but a dam at Hope Forest south of Adelaide remains at “high risk” after four days, while heavy rain in the state’s north prompts flood warnings and road closures.
The 'high risk' dam at Hope Forest. Courtesy Ten News First
The State Emergency Service says the threat of a potential dam failure at Basket Range has reduced, after residents were warned on Sunday to prepare for possible flooding, while Lobethal Rd was closed between Basket Range and Ashton.
#FLOOD Advice REDUCED THREAT MESSAGE issued for dam failure at Basket Range. The risk of a dam failure has reduced, but some risks are still present and you should take care in the area over the next few days. More info: https://t.co/nRmXK72iFV ID:537/5
— SASES (@SA_SES) June 26, 2023
But a private dam at Hope Forest, 40km south of Adelaide, remains at risk of failing after residents were alerted to potential flooding on Saturday night, with the latest flood watch and act advice issued this morning.
#FLOOD Watch and Act MESSAGE issued for dam failure at Hope Forest. If you are in this area you should prepare for flooding. Move valuables to a safe place. Consider going to a safer place if the path is clear. More info: https://t.co/L07UWhrhI2 ID:536/9
— SASES (@SA_SES) June 27, 2023
This is the dam in Hope Forrest threatening to collapse. They estimate it holds roughly 22 million litres. There’s a number of houses in the path if it does fail and the SES says there’s really not much they can do. @10NewsFirstAdl pic.twitter.com/2xE5WSeBpt
— Jase Kemp (@jasetaylorkemp) June 25, 2023
While rains have eased across Adelaide following days of downpour – which the SES said had resulted in more than 500 calls for help since Thursday – heavy rains are expected across the state’s north.
The Bureau of Meteorology says a flood watch is in place for the Flinders, North East and NorthWest pastoral districts.
An upper system is expected to bring areas of rain to the north of #SouthAustralia, starting today in the northwest then intensify on Tuesday as it moves eastwards. A flood Watch is current for the Flinders, North West & North East Pastoral districts. https://t.co/dBvIXnXVN7 pic.twitter.com/Rss0IOa5ED
— Bureau of Meteorology, South Australia (@BOM_SA) June 26, 2023
Up to 70mm of rain was expected in some areas, with residents of Coober Pedy, Ernabella, Ceduna, Nullarbor, Tarcoola, Todmorden and Oodnadatta warned to expect road closures.
.@BOM_SA has issued a Flood Watch for Parts of the North West Pastoral, North East Pastoral and Flinders Districts https://t.co/TU1xXqyHIU . Road closure Signs might be put into place as a consequence. pic.twitter.com/NJsntZQPv2
— SASES (@SA_SES) June 26, 2023
Many sealed and unsealed roads in the state’s north and outback are closed as a result of recent rain, while others are restricted or open with warnings.
Please check https://t.co/KabyvlMBkL or call 1300 361 033 for the latest info.
The latest update is at 9:01am today. pic.twitter.com/b2eKQ9xO1n
— SA Infrastructure & Transport (@DFIT_SA) June 25, 2023
