Monday, Aug 30, 2010 at 08:41
We were there first week of August and managed to have a good look at levels over some distance upstream of the
Birdsville track proper. Firstly Etadunna station said it had dropped a foot (~0.3m) at the time. Judging from
water marks and
debris, that was about right at the
Birdsville track proper . But upstream in most sections it was clear it had dropped up to 1 metre (even a touch more), upstream of the first big lake upstream of the ferry (perhaps 4-5km up). Erosion marks make it easier to judge upstream. There are "constrictions" between lakes where the
water flows faster and these appear to control the level.
We learnt that the commercial fishing of
Lake Hope only begins when the Cooper separates from the
Lake Hope, i.e. due to the level dropping, and I understand that started early to mid August.
So there is no doubt overall that it's dropping but given the volume of
water up there its surely going to take a long time to drain. Fair bit of rain lately and forecast later this week too, so who knows. Cheers
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