description Snowy River Overview
The Snowy River rises in the Australian Alps and flows through New South Wales and Victoria before reaching Bass Strait. Its catchment has been heavily affected by the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme, begun in 1949, which diverts water from the Snowy Mountains system toward the Murray and Murrumbidgee basins for irrigation and electricity generation. The river is therefore relevant to Australian geography, water management, and environmental-flow policy.
help Snowy River FAQ
Where does the Snowy River begin and end?
The Snowy River rises on the slopes of Mount Kosciuszko in New South Wales, Australia. It flows through New South Wales and Victoria before reaching Bass Strait near Marlo.
How did the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme change the river?
The scheme, initiated in 1949 and built mainly between 1949 and 1974, captures and diverts water from the Snowy system toward the Murray and Murrumbidgee valleys. Dams such as Jindabyne reduced the natural flow below the dam while generating electricity and supporting irrigation.
What are environmental flows in the Snowy River?
They are managed releases from the Snowy system intended to restore some of the river's natural snowmelt and high-flow patterns. The first major environmental flow below Jindabyne Dam was delivered in 2002, and current programs use smaller pulses and larger flushing flows to improve habitat and the estuary.
What wildlife is associated with the Snowy River?
The river system supports species including Australian grayling, Australian bass, estuary perch, platypus and frogs. Its lower estuary also provides habitat for saltwater and estuarine species near Bass Strait.
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