| Mitta Mitta | |
|---|---|
 Mitta Mitta River, downstream fromDartmouth Dam, 2007 | |
| Etymology | Aboriginal: from reeds called modunga[1] |
| Native name | Mida-modoenga |
| Location | |
| Country | Australia |
| State | Victoria |
| Region | Australian Alps (IBRA),Victorian Alps |
| Local government area | Towong |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source confluence | Cobungra River andBig River |
| • location | nearAnglers Rest |
| • coordinates | 36°59′22″S147°30′41″E / 36.98944°S 147.51139°E /-36.98944; 147.51139 |
| • elevation | 694 m (2,277 ft) |
| Mouth | confluence with theMurray River |
• location | Mitta Junction,Lake Hume |
• coordinates | 36°07′1″S147°2′30″E / 36.11694°S 147.04167°E /-36.11694; 147.04167 |
• elevation | 180 m (590 ft) |
| Length | 204 km (127 mi) |
| Basin size | 10,062 km2 (3,885 sq mi) |
| Discharge | |
| • average | 76 m3/s (2,700 cu ft/s) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | North-EastMurray catchment, Murray–Darling basin |
| Tributaries | |
| • right | Dart River (Victoria) |
| Reservoirs | |
| [2] | |
Mitta Mitta River, aperennial river and a directtributary of theMurray River within theMurray–Darling basin, is located in theAlpine district ofVictoria,Australia.
The name Mitta Mitta derives from theAboriginal wordmida-modoenga, meaning reeds called modunga.[1]
The river rises belowMount Bogong, the highest mountain in the Victorian Alps, with the Mitta Mitta River forming at theconfluence of theCobungra River and theBig River, just south ofAnglers Rest, flowing generally north, joined by twenty-four minor tributaries including theDart River, before reaching itsmouth with the Murray River, east ofAlbury atLake Hume. The river descends 514 metres (1,686 ft) over itscourse of 204 kilometres (127 mi).
The Mitta Mitta River is the source of approximately 10% of the Murray's flow.[3] Along the Mitta Mitta River, mean annual flow can triple from Hinnomunjie in the south to Tallangatta in the north. Highest flows are in October and are attributable to the spring snow melt.[4] The flow of the Mitta Mitta River is heavily modified and impounded byDartmouth Dam andHume Dam, both major water reservoirs. Upstream of Dartmouth Dam, the river flows swiftly through near-pristine forest. Below the dam, it travels more sedately through flatter, cleared farming country. The original junction of the Mitta Mitta River with the Murray River is now submerged beneath the waters of Lake Hume for a large part of the time.
The catchment area of the Mitta Mitta River is estimated as 10,062 square kilometres (3,885 sq mi).[4]
The river valley used to flood on a nearly annual basis, but the completion of Dartmouth Dam in the 1970s largely eliminated the floods.[citation needed]
The river flows through a valley that contains four small towns:Mitta Mitta,Eskdale,Dartmouth.[inconsistent] Mitta Mitta is a small hamlet at the confluence of the River and Snowy Creek.
For the fisherman, the Mitta Mitta River is a good source for trout, particularlybrown trout and the occasionalrainbow trout.
The Mitta Mitta River upstream of Hinnomunjie Bridge is a favourite forwhite water enthusiasts, with one licensed company operating commercial facilities. The river is also frequented by recreationalkayakers as a single or multi day trip with a grade between II and IV.
Media related toMitta Mitta River at Wikimedia Commons
Waterways of the North–East catchment,Victoria, Australia | |
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