Augrabies Falls National Park. Picture: Supplied
THE WATER levels of the Orange River are gradually rising and, as a result, Augrabies Falls National Park’s waterfalls will be spectacular for the third time this year.
This is because water from the Orange River's three dams – Bloemhof, Gariep, and Vanderkloof – has been released.
SANParks Arid Region's regional general manager, Lucius Moolman, expressed excitement this week about welcoming tourists to see this natural beauty while they are in the area.
“In the upcoming seven to 14 days we are anticipating a dramatic increase from the regular levels," said Moolman.
Before crashing over the 56-metre-high waterfall, the Orange River separates into multiple channels as it reaches Augrabies Falls. The river then travels another 18 kilometres into a gorge. The sight and sound of the water erupting from the rocky environs are true to the site's Khoi moniker of "Aukoerebis", which means "place of loud roar".
With the flow already having climbed from 61.52 cubic metres per second to 235.81 cumecs in just two days, the falls will undoubtedly scream with sound.
The Vaal Dam, as well as the Bloemhof Dam, is still releasing lots of water and once the full force of the water reaches the falls the result will leave tourists breathless.
As of yesterday, the major dams in the Northern Cape are full and it seems like even more water is flowing into the Vaal Dam.
The outflow of water increased to 2,600 cumecs from Bloemhof Dam yesterday morning.
The dam levels are as follows:
Vaal Dam: 108.85%
Bloemhof Dam: 114.10%
Gariep Dam: 116%
Vanderkloof Dam: 110.00%
When looking at the amount of water that is currently being released, and also the water that is flowing into the Vaal Dam, the Augrabies National Falls can expect a massive amount of water soon.
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