Two dams at high risk of failure, with warnings for Lobethal Rd at Basket Range and Hope Forest

Two SA dams are at high risk of failure – one south of Adelaide and one in the Hills, with roads closed after a week of heavy rain.

The State Emergency Service has issued a second urgent warning for a dam it says is at high risk of failure.

A dam at Basket Range on Lobethal Road may fail, it warned at 10.30am on Sunday, with Lobethal Road between Basket Range and Ashton at risk.

Properties along Deep Creek from Lobethal Road towards Elborough Ave may be affected.

#FLOOD Watch and Act MESSAGE issued for dam failure at Basket Range. If you are in this area you should prepare for flooding. Move valuables to a safe place. Consider going to a safer place if the path is clear. More info: https://t.co/V3RrBHfitn ID:537/1

— SASES (@SA_SES) June 25, 2023

On Saturday, it warned a dam at Hope Forest, south of Adelaide, was also at “high risk” of failure and may threaten nearby residents’ safety.

This is the dam in Hope Forrest threatening to collapse. They estimate it holds roughly 22 million litres. There’s a number of houses in the path if it does fail and the SES says there’s really not much they can do. @10NewsFirstAdlpic.twitter.com/2xE5WSeBpt

— Jase Kemp (@jasetaylorkemp) June 25, 2023

Properties at risk are those near the intersection of Bevan Road, Phillips Road and Verrall Road in the vicinity of Brookman and Decaux roads.

Road closures are in place for Bevan Road, Verrall Road, Phillips Road, Brookman Road and Decaux Road.

The SES urges people in the vicinity to monitor weather conditions and warnings, follow their Emergency Plan and to prepare their family and home for flooding.

“Move items of value to a safe place,” the warning urges.

“If your plan is to leave, if you require time to leave or if you are not prepared, you should consider leaving now.

“Only leave if you are certain that the path is clear to a safer place. For SES assistance phone 132 500. If the matter is life threatening call triple-0.”

#FLOOD Watch and Act MESSAGE issued for dam failure at Hope Forest. If you are in this area you should prepare for flooding. Move valuables to a safe place. Consider going to a safer place if the path is clear. More info: https://t.co/ULHDeSjCAG ID:536/3

— SASES (@SA_SES) June 24, 2023

Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Simon Timcke said the area surrounding the dam was likely to see showers “on and off” throughout Sunday.

He said Kangaroo Island and the Fleurieu Peninsula would be the wettest parts of SA on Sunday, while the dam was likely to fill more during the day after the area had been hit with heavy rain at the end of last week.

“The catchments are likely to be saturated,” he said.

After a sunny weekend, rain is on the way for many states. 🌧️

A long rain band will stretch across the country from northern #WA to #NSW through the first half of next week.

Extensive Flood Watches have been issued around central Australia.

Latest: https://t.co/2kQZJWVOpgpic.twitter.com/KviWJxO3lf

— Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) June 24, 2023

The alert comes as the Bureau of Meteorology issues a severe weather warning for damaging winds in Mount Lofty Ranges and parts of Murraylands districts.

“Damaging wind gusts are expected to ease below warning thresholds during Sunday afternoon,” the BOM said on Saturday.

“Recent rainfall has led to saturated soil, so trees may be more susceptible to strong and gusty winds.”

.@BOM_SA has updated a Severe Weather Warning ⚠️ for DAMAGING WINDS 💨 For people in Mount Lofty Ranges & Murraylands districts
Issued 4:51am 25 June 23
Damaging winds possible over the Mount Lofty Ranges todayhttps://t.co/BuU3rJXFbk
☎️ For SES assistance, call 132 500. pic.twitter.com/PCIrciCTDJ

— SASES (@SA_SES) June 24, 2023

The Bureau says locations which may be affected include Mount Barker, Murray Bridge, Victor Harbor, Strathalbyn and Mannum.

The Bureau of Meteorology also has issued flood warnings for parts of the North West Pastoral District ahead of more rain lashing South Australia.

Flooding is possible from Tuesday following heavy rains last week and developing on Monday.

Heavy rainfall predicted in the flood watch region may cause areas of ponding and overland flow, along with rises in local creeks and overbank flooding.

The Bureau has warned communities may be cut off with roads, travel and transport being impacted.

Catchments likely to be affected include Finke River and Stephenson Creek and, Eastern Great Victoria Desert and Warburton District Rivers.