The Glenelg Hopkins CMA is closely monitoring the water levels behind the large beach berm at Nelson.

Many in the community would be aware of the rising water levels behind it. At this point, the berm height still maintains capacity for a natural opening, and it sits below where an artificial river mouth opening (ARMO) was undertaken in July 2024.

The CMA is aware of concerns in the community of these levels, however, the CMA cannot undertake an artificial opening unless conditions allow it.

At present, this is largely dictated by the southern ocean and its swells, the force of which can reverse an estuary opening within hours if there is not enough river flow to keep it open, leading to devastating consequences if only the top level oxygenated water is released.

Monitoring of water levels, water quality, beach berm height and community assets is ongoing.

This weekend, there are predictions of ocean swells of up to 9 metres. These swells could naturally open the system, but also input further volumes of water into the estuary at Nelson. This is also likely to occur across all other estuaries along the southern coast.

Local communities are encouraged to be aware of the severity of the swells and the impact they could have on the beach areas.

The swells are due to subside early next week, and an assessment of the berm and flooding impact will be undertaken immediately thereafter by the CMA.

For more information on swell and weather forecasts visit www.bom.gov.au