Chichester Dam safety alerts and river levels
After heavy rain, Chichester Dam can reach full capacity. When this happens, water flows over the dam’s spillway and into the Chichester River.
About dam safety alerts
Dam safety alerts are issued when there is a potential or developing issue at Chichester Dam. These alerts are used by Hunter Water to manage the safe operation of our dams.
They are not emergency warnings and do not replace advice or instructions from emergency services.
We use three alert levels to communicate about the dam and each level can apply during significant wet weather or in response to other incidents that may affect dam safety.
The safety of our communities is our priority. We’ve lowered the criteria for issuing flooding alerts. Because of this, our alerts don’t align exactly with standard alert descriptions.
Alert types
White alert
Typically issued for unusual incidents which have the potential to threaten the dam.
This may include unusual events, minor structural concerns, or water flowing 0.8 m above the spillway crest during heavy rainfall. A White Alert may also be issued for non‑weather‑related events such as minor earthquakes or other incidents that need closer monitoring.
Amber alert
Typically issued when there are concerns that the dam’s integrity may be compromised, or for large flood events with the potential to compromise the integrity of the dam.
During wet weather, this corresponds to water flowing 1.3 m above the spillway crest. An Amber Alert may also be issued for ‘sunny day’ risks, such as more significant structural issues or other events that increase the likelihood of dam failure.
Red alert
Typically issued when the dam is failing or failure is imminent, or for flooding water levels the dam hasn’t experienced before, where there is an increased risk of failure.
In wet weather, this corresponds to water flowing 1.8 m above the spillway crest. A Red Alert may also be issued for serious ‘sunny day’ threats, such as major structural damage or other critical incidents unrelated to rainfall.
River level monitoring
We monitor river levels using gauges at a weir located about 1 km downstream from the dam. This helps track how deep and fast the water is flowing. Check the latest river levels in real time
Visit WaterNSW WaterInsights for updates on the Williams and Chichester Rivers.
Flood and emergency information
- The NSW State Emergency Services (SES) manages flood response and will contact residents if needed.
- Download the Hazards Near Me (available on Apple and Android). It sends alerts for floods and other emergencies in your area.
- Dungog Shire Council also shares important updates during emergencies
- Hunter Water provides information about wet weather impacts and any service disruptions
If you have any questions about flood or emergency planning, contact our team