Water finds its way to Kati Thanda (Lake Eyre)
Water finds its way to Kati Thanda (Lake Eyre)
Posted 04 February 2015.
Recent surveying by Natural Resources SA Arid Lands staff estimate that approximately 40% of the surface of Kati Thanda (Lake Eyre) North and 15% of the surface of Kati Thanda (Lake Eyre) South are covered by water after recent rains in South Australia and more water from neighbouring states is due soon.
Halligan Bay Point Public Access Route (PAR 13) remains closed until 16 March, and Level Post Bay Public Access Route (PAR 2) is currently closed due to recent rain. Visitors may catch a glimpse of the water in Kati Thanda (Lake Eyre) South from the Oodnadatta Track depending on wind direction.
Historically, the waters from the Georgina and Diamantina Rivers contribute the most water to the Lake via the Warburton Creek, after first filling Goyders Lagoon and then flowing into Kati Thanda (Lake Eyre) North. Water from the Cooper Creek and Macumba River traditionally contribute lesser amounts to the lake but at this time, it is the Macumba River that is providing the strong flows.
“How much it rains and where it falls makes each flood event for the lake entirely different and this year is no exception,” said Mr Tony Magor, Acting Manager, Community Engagement and Public Lands, Natural Resources SA Arid Lands.
“What happens next, depends a lot on what happens with any further rainfalls within the catchment, how long the Macumba River will keep running into the lake, and how much the floodwaters from the Georgina River will eventually bring down,” Mr Magor explains.
These waters in the upper catchment may take four to six weeks to arrive at Kati Thanda (Lake Eyre) and with the summer monthly evaporation rate averaging 300mm per month it is difficult to predict how long the water will remain in the lake with any real certainty.
Visitors planning a trip to Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park to see this special event are encouraged to do so in this earlier part of the year, as additional rains may or may not arrive. Visiting the area by air offers the best viewing access.
