Frequently asked questions about cease-to-flow periods in the Barwon-Darling
The following frequently asked questions directly relate to the Barwon-Darling and Lower Darling.
It is not natural for the Darling to remain dry for more than 30 days?
This is not correct.
The Darling goes through natural patterns of wet and dry cycles and it is not unusual for the Darling to stop flowing.
Between 1900 to 1950 the Lower Darling stopped flowing 22 times, for an average period of 66 days.
Evidence from our recorded history shows that the longest period of no flow at Weir 32 occurred in 1919-1920 when the river stopped flowing for 236 days.
Refer to the graphs on cease to flow periods in the Barwon-Darling.
The river has never been as dry as it was during the last drought.
This is not correct.
The blue lines in the graphs below show periods of no flows at different gauges in the Barwon-Darling. All gauges show that the river was dry for long periods during the dry climate period from 1900-1950.
For more information visit cease to flow periods in the Barwon-Darling.
Presentation
A presentation was given on the cease-to-flow periods in the Barwon-Darling in May 2021.
Download the presentation (PDF. 1,079KB)