Tooma River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tooma River |
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Overlooking Tooma River from Ardenside Road, Tooma
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| Country | Australia |
| State | New South Wales, Victoria |
| Region | IBRA: Australian Alps, Snowy Mountains, Victorian Alps |
| Local government areas | Tumbarumba, Towong |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Snowy Mountains Mount Jagungal, New South Wales 1,590 m (5,220 ft) |
| River mouth | confluence with the Murray River near Tintaldra, Victoria 236 m (774 ft) |
| Length | 74 km (46 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Murray River, Murray–Darling basin |
| Tributaries |
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| Reservoir | Tooma Reservoir |
The Tooma River is a river in Australia that flows all year round. It is located in the Australian Alps mountain area, crossing parts of New South Wales and Victoria. The Tooma River is an important part of the Murray River system, which is within the large Murray–Darling basin. Some of its water is moved to other rivers because of the Snowy Mountains Scheme.
River Journey
The Tooma River starts high up in the Snowy Mountains. Its source is near Mount Jagungal in New South Wales. From there, the river naturally flows mostly north, then west, and finally turns south.
Along its journey, eight smaller streams, called tributaries, join the Tooma River. One of these is the Tumbarumba Creek. The river eventually meets the Murray River between the towns of Tooma and Tintaldra. The Tooma River travels about 74 kilometres (46 mi) (46 miles). During its course, it drops about 1,350 metres (4,430 ft) (4,430 feet) in height.
The Snowy Mountains Scheme Connection
The Tooma Reservoir is a special dam built on the Tooma River. It is a key part of the huge Snowy Mountains Scheme. This scheme is a big project that helps manage water and create electricity.
Water from the Tooma Reservoir is sent through tunnels to the Tumut Pondage. The Tumut Pondage is on the Tumut River. This water is then used to make hydro-electric power. This happens at several power stations along the Tumut River.
Moving water from the Tooma River to the Tumut River means water is transferred. It goes from the Murray River system to the Murrumbidgee River system. However, the Snowy Mountains Scheme also moves water back in the other direction. This helps keep the water levels balanced between the two river systems.
