Minor Flood Warning Issued for Dawson River at Taroom and Baralaba

Alert Details

The Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Minor Flood Warning (IDQ20765) for the Dawson River. This is the fourth flood warning issued for this event, following recent moderate to heavy rainfall across the catchment area.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the Dawson River catchment in Queensland, with specific impacts noted for:

• Dawson River at Taroom: Currently experiencing minor flooding.
• Dawson River at Baralaba: Minor flooding is expected to be occurring.
• Dawson River to Theodore: Minor flooding is occurring along this stretch.
• Dawson River downstream of Theodore: Minor flooding is expected.

Other locations monitored include Utopia Downs, Tarana Crossing, Juandah Creek, Gyranda Weir, Moura Weir, and Mimosa Creek.

What You Should Do

Residents and travelers in the affected areas are advised to follow these safety precautions:

• Do not drive, walk, swim, or play in floodwater as it is dangerous.
• Stay away from flooded drains, rivers, streams, and waterways.
• Obey all road closure signs and plan travel to avoid flooded roads.
• Monitor the ABC and local media for further updates.
• For emergency assistance, contact the SES at 132 500. In life-threatening situations, call 000 immediately.
• Visit www.disaster.qld.gov.au/warnings for local emergency management advice.

Expected Conditions

The flood peak is currently approaching Glebe Weir along the Upper Dawson River.

• Taroom: The river level was recorded at 4.67 meters at 1:00 pm Tuesday and is holding steady. It is expected to remain above the minor flood level of 4.50 meters through Wednesday.
• Baralaba: While current observations are unavailable, the river is estimated to be above the minor flood level of 4.00 meters and rising based on nearby gauges. Levels are expected to remain above the minor flood mark through Wednesday.
• Theodore Weir: The river level was recorded at 6.74 meters and steady as of 1:00 pm Tuesday.

Renewed rises are possible across the catchment as upstream flows continue to arrive.

Timeline

The warning was issued at 1:42 pm AEST on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The Dawson River is expected to remain above minor flood levels at Taroom and Baralaba through at least Wednesday, February 18. The Bureau of Meteorology intends to issue the next update by 2:00 pm AEST on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.