Floods in Clare
Clare has had over 20 floods since 1836.
TOTAL: up to 26 Floods in 50 years !!
3. 22 October - 2 November 1870
4. 19 - 31 July 1872
​5. 11 - 16 January 1874
6. 28 August- 12 September 1874
7. 7 - 17 June 1875
8. 11-16 February 1877
9. 18-26 March 1877
​10. 21-26 September 1877
​11. 17-29 July 1878
12. 10-11 January 1881
13. 16-28 June 1883
14. 26-29 July 1883
15. 21-22 June 1887
16. 1-6 April 1889
17. 20-28 January 1890
​18. 1-8 February 1890
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2. Floods in the 20th Century (new page)
"The township of Clare has experienced flooding since settlement, and this has become more apparent over recent years. Flooding in Clare has been caused by a number of reasons, such as overflows of the Hutt River tributaries (Creeks 1, 2 & 3: centre-left above) and inadequate stormwater systems/infrastructure within the town.
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The community of Clare is either directly or indirectly affected by stormwater flooding. Flooding events have been known to cause inundation and property damage, disruption to road and private infrastructure, including the main business district of Clare."
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"In the region’s 2010 floods, the township was impacted mainly from overflowing and flooding across roads, and private property yards/gardens."
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"Again in 2016 areas of minor flooding were experienced in Clare."
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"The main business centre of Clare township is thought to be at risk of flooding from 20 year ARI (Average Recurrence Interval) and larger events."
- CLARE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN : October 2019
Clare's 19th Century Floods
1850-1859:
1. 7 August 1852
There was continual heavy rain in the Clare area over a period of 10 hours.
This completely washed out all the houses at Clare and Stanley Flats. A man named harry James was drowned in the vicinity of Watervale.
FEARFUL FLOODS IN THE NORTH.
On Saturday (August 7), there was a most fearful flood at Clare, and in consequence of the like visitations in the intervening districts, there was no arrival of a mail on that day.
In Clare the rains commenced on the previous Thursday night and continued with little intermission until.5o'clock on the Saturday evening named, when it poured down in torrents, and continued, almost uninterruptedly, for ten hours.
All the houses in Clare were flooded, so were all the Stanley Flats, from Mr. Gleeson's Paddock, downward; and it is said that if the rain had continued for another hour many lives would have been lost.
"The Flats" were covered with water, and the ground being low, it would have been impossible for lone women to have saved their children and themselves ("lone women" : whose husbands have been attracted from their homes by the (Gold Rush) : the golden lores of Mount Alexander aud Bendigo.)
In the vicinity of Watervale, a man named Harry Jones, was unhappily drowned. It is supposed he was attempting to cross the creek.
Mr. Jacobs held an inquest on the body on the following Monday, and the Jury returned a verdict of " Accidental Death."
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Read more at Auburn's Anglican Church History
1860-1869:
2. 4-9 October 1867
Heavy rains in Adelaide and surrounding districts led to extensive damage to bridges and other property.
Places reporting floods included Strathalbyn, Mount Barker, Clarendon, Port Elliot, Yankalilla and Clare.
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The man North-road by Bungaree is in a very bad state, owing to the great quantity of rain that has fallen this season. The fords across the Hutt River have become almost impassable, the metal being washed away, leaving nothing but a bog dangerous to vehicles and horsemen crossing.
The ford at the corner of Edwards St. is very bad, the Northern mail coach having had a very narrow escape last week of a serious accident.
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1870-1879:
3. 22 October - 2 November 1870
Stormy weather and heavy rains were reported from areas surrounding Adelaide, including Angaston, Clare, Burra, Virginia, Gumaracha... A woman drowned in the Hutt river at Clare.
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4. 19 - 31 July 1872
Very heavy floods were reported in the North. Heavy rains fell over a period of two days with up to 4 inches reported. Streets in ... Clare were flooded.
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5. 11 - 16 January 1874
A terrific thunderstorm caused a huge flood at Burra, Clare, Auburn, Mintaro, George-town, Stockport and Saddleworth. There was considerable property damage, particularly at Clare. Read more below --
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GREAT FLOODS IN CLARE - 1874
During the last twenty years the matter has been frequently discussed as to whether in the event of a flood of unusual magnitude, Clare from its position would not be inundated. Seasons have rolled on and floods have come, but, save for a few dwellings close on the river, little or no damage has ever been sustained.
Under a feeling of security Clare has gone ahead, and annually several substantial buildings have been erected until it has risen into a town of considerable importance.
Situated in the centre of a rich agricultural and mining district, factories have sprung into existence, and the various trades have multiplied rapidly, so that the present year was welcomed in with mora than ordinary indications of prosperity.
The weather, although unusually dry was reasonable, enabling the agriculturist to gather in the produce of the field in good condition.
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On Sunday there were evident signs of a change which was hailed with a feeling of welcome. The atmosphere seemed charged with electricity, and the contending elements portended a storm; brilliant streams of electrical fire darted forth from cloud to cloud, and the loud peals of thunder appeared to be overhead while the echo rumbled among the surrounding hills.
The rain descended in torrents, and increased to such an extent that in a short time the creeks were overflowing.
The Hutt River could not contain the mighty volume of water, and it soon spread over the narrow valley on which the town is situated, and as all the small tributaries discharged their contents the furious flood rushed forth to do its work of destruction.
Some persons apprehensive of danger left their houses, but before any precautions could be taken to save property the river rose so high as to overflow the whole town.
The main, street became like the channel of a river, and large trees were borne along as if they were very playthings. All the stores and business places had from two to three feet of- water in them, so that not only the goods that were in cellars were destroyed, but a vast amount of stock besides. The loss to storekeepers alone must be over £2000, and many families in circumstances of comfort have lost considerably.
All the bridges are damaged, and the bridge in Lennox Street will have to undergo repair before it is safe for traffic.
From rising ground on the west side of the town we had a view of the flood while at its height, and it was distressing to see the havoc it was making and the fright the people were in.
Men walking to the middle in water were carrying children and women to places of safety, and horses and pigs were turned out in order that they might have a chance of escape.
Fences, stockyards, and sheds were swept away, and men and boys were to be seen on the roofs of some houses in low situations, while piles of cases were floating ,down the streets.
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Read some more in related Blog: GREAT FLOODS IN CLARE - 1874
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South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 - 1900), Tuesday 13 January 1874, page 6
GREAT FLOODS IN THE NORTH.
"We have been favoured with a telegram from Inspector Saunders to Commissioner Hamilton, dated January 12, which states that "the whole town of Clare was flooded yesterday."
The damages are heavy, but no lives are lost. Such a flood was never known here before. A wire message and a report from Auburn, published in other columns, show that a disastrous flood has also been experienced in that town, the rainfall having been five inches, and the River Wakefield having been swollen immensely.
At Mintaro and at Saddleworth also damage has been done by the floodgates having been opened. Heavy rain has evidently visited some of the Northern Areas; but our Gulnara correspondent does not think that it has been injurious. We give below and in our telegraph column the information that has as jet reached us concerning the unusual downpour:—
Clare, Sunday, January 11.
A terrific thunderstorm this afternoon caused a flood to swamp the town. Great damage was done thereby— at least £5,000 worth. Water 3 feet deep rushed down Alain-street; the cellars were all filled, and the shops flooded. The metalling of the streets was torn up; culverts were destroyed.
One bridge in the town is gone, and two others are nearly so.
Auburn, Sunday, January 11.
To-day we have been visited with terrible floods. The river is higher than has ever before been known. Houses are flooded, fences have been washed away, and stone buildings damaged. In Auburn alone several hundred pounds' worth of property has been destroyed.
Rhyme, Monday, January 12.
A great change has taken place in the weather, which threatened rain for several days. Showers began on Saturday night steadily, but towards morning heavily. This continued all Sunday, while claps of thunder were often heard.
All the tanks overflowed, and I am afraid that the water has done much injury to the wheat-heaps which are not yet cleaned.
Saddleworth, Monday, January 12.
The greatest flood which has occurred in this place for seven years happened yesterday. A tremendous thunderstorm swept over the district from 2 to 4 p.m. The lightning was vivid and terrific, and loud claps of thunder seemed to shake whole buildings, while splitting and breaking glasses, etc, in some houses.
The rain descended in torrents so that, the streets flooded and the Biver Gilbert ran very high. The storm, however, abated and the stream went down in time for the- people to attend divine service.
During this the storm must have been renewed with greater severity a few miles northward. The Gilbert again rose rapidly, and such a volume of water rushed down as has not been witnessed, for seven years, carrying destruction in its career.
The footbridge near the town was carried bodily away, fences torn up, and great damage was done to property in various ways.
The brickmaker had several thousands of bricks stacked ready for the kiln almost rendered worthless. About two feet of water got into Mr. Beer's shop, destroying much of his work, and washing his planks and boards over the place.
A great number of people are busy to-day; trying to rectify the evil done.
Mr. Thwaites, a few days ago, erected his Photographic Studio near the river, and this was flooded, leaving it in a terrible mess.
Numerous heaps of wheat in the paddocks have suffered considerably, showing the. necessity of greater caution being taken to prevent the destruction of grain after it is reaped.
The full extent of damage is not yet known.
Mr. Richardson wrote : — 'My rain-gauge shows a fall of 2*100 inches between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday at Saddleworth. I believe the rainfall has been much heavier in some of the neighbouring districts.
The flood in the Biver Gilbert is higher than was ever known before, and many houses in the town have been partly submerged. All fords and small footbridges, with fences and sundries, were removed without any unnecessary delay by the mass .of water.
This rain will do much harm to the wheat that is reaped and lying in heaps, but the standing crops will not suffer.
Auburn, Monday, January 12.
One of the most disastrous floods that ever visited this district occurred yesterday. It commenced to rain early oa Sunday morning, ,and before dusk over five inches had fallen. In roads for a while there were torrents, and the River Wakefield, which runs through the town and is rather deep, overflowed its banks to a distance of between 60 and 70 yards on either side. The scene was one of awful grandeur.
Suddenly the water rose to the first bridge connecting New Auburn with Auburn proper across King-street. It took one rail, then the other in its course to the bridge across Church street, the river the while rising rapidly.
Presently immense logs came down, carrying destruction with them and then the bridge in Church-street was washed away. The water rose until it reached the fence of Messrs. Adamson Brothers establishment, and next, part of their yard was under water, which surrounded a large haystack of theirs, to a height of three feet.
Still rising, the water entered their private dwelling, and destroyed a considerable amount of property. The room in which the housekeeper was had two feet of water in it, and she is a heavy sufferer.
Every thing that was loose outside was washed away, including tubs and all kinds of kitchen utensils. The flood entered the store of Mr. I.imbert androse to about two feet, there destroying tea and other property.
Willows which had stood the floods of many years were entirely submerged, and many were the regrets that such should have been the case, they being an ornament to the town. The Castino's paling-fence was partially carried away with immense posts, while a strong outbuilding of his was demolished, not one stone being left upon another.
Again suddenly, as if by a fresh impulse, the stream rose considerably and entered the dwelling of Mr. Tucker, and the children, with his wife, had to be carried through two feet of water to dry ground. Fortunately the- water did not increase, so he sustained little injury to his furniture.
Mr. Smith, the bootmaker, suffered largely, as the flood went through his house. Pigs were carried into bedrooms, horses were removed out of harm's way and fences were heaped one on another in awful confusion.
The nice garden belonging to the kitchen gardener, Mr. Dredge, is quite gone ; everyone sympathises with him.
Mr. Adamson is a heavy loser; aud it has been computed that £500 will not cover the losses. One poor man, Mr. Langsford, has sustained, a large quantity of wheat having been washed away in the chaff, and about 40 bags being submerged to a depth of two feet.
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As yet information has not come respecting other farmers, but it is computed that the loss will be great.
Later in the day the bridge across the lower ford went, and before long was seen with the higher ford to pass the Undalya Bridge on the road to Port Wakefield.
One small bridge has been recovered this morning, and it is to be roughly put across the river, so that the traffic will not be stopped. It is astonishing hew clean a sweep is made, and a stranger would imagine the country had never been fenced.
I am informed that a good strong bridge a few miles above Auburn, known as Brewer's, which cost the District Council between £200 and £300, has been washed away.
The bridge erected by the Central Road Board at Undalya is considerably damaged. The approaches and culvert from the Auburn side have been washed away ; and at Skilly an incalculable amount of damage was done the new bridge there, and a good ford just erected by the Council was swept away, and thus traffic made impossible.
I am afraid that wheat to a large amount is destroyed. The weather is now very threatening, and it is feared that the storm will return ; it is hoped, however, not with the same violence.
All down the River Wakefield I have just heard that thousands of panels of fencing have been destroyed, and, m many places the damage to furniture and clothing by houses being partly submerged is great.
Wells have been filled up, and soil by the thousand loads washed away, but as yet I have heard of no lives being lost.
The District Council will be very heavy losers by this flood, and as their funds are not large they must levy an extra rate, so that the fords may be put in a passable conditions, especially as so much wheat-carting is taking place.
6. 28 August- 12 September 1874
Heavy rains over several days led to intermittent flooding in the Mid-North with Saddleworth, Clare, and Gawler mentioned. Several bridges were damaged and roads washed out.
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7. 7 - 17 June 1875
Heavy rains over nine days caused widespread flooding. The Hutt River overflowed its banks at Clare, cutting all communication to the south. A woman, Catherine Egan, was drowned.
The Floods at Clare.—A recent telegram intimated that the late heavy rains had occa sioned a flood at Clare, and our local correspon dent, writing on the 9th inst.. gives the following particulars:—
" On Monday afternoon it began to rain here and continued without intermission till Wednesday.
On Tuesday the Hutt River rose to a great height, overflowing the bridges and cutting off all communication with the south"
The midday mail managed to cross the Clare ford of the Hutt River, but had to return again, not being able to cross below Donny brook. This is a dangerous place, the road being very bad and not having been metalled because it has been in contemplation for years to put a bridge there.
By about 3 o'clock on Tuesday, however, the floods began subsiding, and shortly after 3 o'clock the coach got over the ford. No-damage has been done in the town, but Catherine Egan, a poor woman, was drowned, apparently when going home, last evening. An inquest was held to-day, but no evidence was given to show how she got into the river, where her husband found her this morning."
From Saddleworth, however, we have fuller particulars of a very disastrous flood that occurred there. Our correspondent, writing on Monday afternoon, says:
"The greatest flood ever known here was experienced this afternoon. The rain must have fallen in torrents above this place, as only a light shower fell in this township. At about half-past 2 the Gilbert was overflowing its banks, and fully four feet of water was running over the main street.
Considerable damage was done to the premises and goods of those who lived where the great rush of water came, and it is estimated that Mr. Gurr has sustained the loss of £200 or £300, the cellar and store being completely swamped.
Several others have sustained more or less serious losses. A Mr. Plew, farmer, of Undalya, in passing the main street, in front of the Institute, with s team of six horses and wagon, lost all control of the horses, they being unwilling to face the full current of the water.
In making a sudden turn the body horses and one of the leaders were washed off their legs. The driver pluckily jumped into the water and stuck to the leader; and Mr. J. J. Rhead and Mr. G. Wright, who were present at the risk of their lives, also sprang to the rescue.
They fortunately succeeded in rescuing four of the horses, but the two body ones were drowned. It was at one time thought that five horses were dead, and many who witnessed the scene but could render to assistance were of opinion for some time that the driver was drowned.
Great praise is due to Messrs. Rhead and Wright for their exertion. The water is going down, but the scene is desolate in the extreme."
Similar particulars have been supplied by one of our correspondents who happened to be passing through the township at the time. He further adds that the rush of water was heard distinctly before it reached the town. The bridge in the main street was totally inadequate to carry off the overflow, and became for the time being a dam, and the road from the Railway Hotel to the Station was completely under water.
Mr. Gurr, storekeeper at Saddleworth, had the three bottom tiers of a stack of wheat estimated to contain 20,000 bags damaged, and the estimated loss of £200 or £300, the cellar and store being completely swamped.
Also at Riverton, the main street and some of the local shops and residences were flooded.
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8. 11-16 February 1877
Torrential rain and thunderstorms were reported from around the State. This led to short term flooding in Mid-North towns including Riverton, Clare and Auburn.
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9. 18-26 March 1877
Widespread rains were reported in many areas of South Australia. Serious flooding was reported in Clare and Saddleworth.
From Clare we are informed that on Monday forenoon heavy clouds overspread the sky, which indicated an approaching storm. Faint peals of thunder were heard in the distance, and as the day advanced they became louder, and the noise was almost continuous.
Between this and 4 o'clock rain began to fall steadily, and continued for two hours. Clare did not get the foil force of the storm, for the rain was much heavier to the east,
Enough, however, came down to refresh the tender grass and soften the parched ground. The rainfall, up to 9 o'clock on Tuesday morning, was 0*750, and about a quarter of an inch fell during the forenoon of Tuesday.
The sky is still overcast, and occasional peals of thunder are heard, which would indicate that the storm is not over. Some of the business people are securing their cellars, for they are apprehensive of another flood.
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10. 21-26 September 1877
Near Clare, a man and his horse drowned trying to cross Skillogallee Creek. The Hutt River flooded with a loss of bridges.
DROWNED IN THE SKILLY CREEK.
AUBURN, September 24.
Mr. Arthur T. Uffindell, timber merchant, of Clare in attempting to cross the Skilly Creek between Hoyleton and Auburn,on Saturday afternoon, with a horse and buggy, was washed away.. The body has not yet been recovered. Three coats belonging to deceased have been found, also the horse, a short distance from where the accident happened.
Two others were in trap at the time of the accident, but they jumped out and managed to save themselves. A courageous attempt was made to rescue Mr. Uffindell, but it was unsuccessful.
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The South Australian Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1858 - 1889) Tue 25 Sept 1877 Page 5 DROWNED IN THE SKILLY CREEK.
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11. 17-29 July 1878
Areas north of Adelaide reported rain and winds for a period of days. This led to reports of flooding and damage in many communities including Clare.
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HEAVY RAINS IN THE NOBTH.—The Northern Argus of July 23 writes:—
"A deal of rain fell during the past week, and many of the creeks were not large enough to carry off the floodwaters.
On Thursday evening last there was an overflow of Hutt River, and the water rushed along the east side of Main-street, Clare, covering the footpath, and at times it was nearly up to the level of the floors. The business men were pretty well prepared for a flood, and the cellars were all securely protected, consequently little or no damage was done to store goods.
The water entered some dwelling-houses toward the north end of the town, and some of the inmates left for higher ground, where they remained for the night. A portion of Messrs. Hill & Co.'s fence was washed away adjoining their stables, but the damage was not great.
Both the Lennon and Gleeson-street bridges were underwater for several hours. On the following day there were heavy showers, and during the afternoon the river was again bank high, but it fell considerably before dark."
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1880-1889:
12. 10-11 January 1881
Heavy rain accompanied by wind led to serious floods in Clare with accompanying property damage. Auburn, Riverton and Watervale reported flooding.
CLARE, January 11.
On Monday evening last the township of Clare presented a curious appearance, all the low-lying houses, stores, and hotels rising apparently cut of the water.
There had been heavy thunderstorms all the afternoon, the rain coming down in torrents. At about 7 o'clock the water rushing down from the hills caused the creeks to overflow, and the water began to gain ground so rapidly that people feared for their property. The rain, however, cleared off shortly afterwards, and the floods subsided almost as quickly as they rose, leaving, however, a thick deposit of mud.
The water penetrated into a large number of houses, compelling several families to seek refuge for themselves, and leave their household goods to be sacrificed.
Messrs. Hill and Co. have had a quantity of fencing destroyed.
Mr. Camper's tannery-pits were filled np, and he only managed with difficulty to save bis wattlebark from being swept off; Several sheep, pigs, and goats, were washed away, and it was found necessary to cut the wires m the Inchiquin paddocks, and let the horses shift for themselves.
A similar flood occurred in Clare on January 11, 1874, and did some thousands of pounds worth of damage, but owing to the precautions taken by the corporation in widening the banks of the Hutt River, and also to the two bridges that have lately been built, the people of Clare may congratulate themselves on escaping with comparatively slight loss of property. Nearly three inches of rain fell in the course of a few hours.
View from Inchiquin Hill to Hutt River,1910
13. 16-28 June 1883
Heavy rains occurred over a period of days with up to 3 inches in a single downpour. Flooding was reported in Clare. Bridges were washed away crops were lost and property damaged.
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14. 26-29 July 1883
Gales and rain caused flooding around Clare.
CLARE, July 29. The South Australian Advertiser (Adelaide, SA) Mon 30 July 1883 Page 5 COUNTRY TELEGRAMS.
The mailman could not cross the Broughton last night owing to the floods. An unsuccessful attempt was made to draw the mailbags across.
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The South Australian Advertiser (Adelaide, SA) Sat 28 July 1883 Page 6 THE FLOODS ON THURSDAY NIGHT.
The winter season this year promises to be one of the most remarkable on record in the. matter of stormy weather, Thursday night, July 26, was one of the most boisterous that has been experienced in and around Adelaide for some time past, and the rain which accompanied the squalls was very heavy.
The effects of the gales and the rain by which they were accompanied arc visible in all directions. The Torrens came down on Friday morning almost a banker, being higher than it has ever been before this season.
The waters covered the abutments of the City bridge, and the roar of the stream passing over the weir could be heard distinctly at a great distance, the water rising to within four feet of the bridge over the weir.
Long's boatshed was inundated, some boats were cast up on the rivor banks, all the landing-stages were submerged, and it was impossible to approach the lamps on the river bank near the rotunda to extinguish them, and they were consequently left burning till a late hour in the morning.
A large quantity of debris, including fruit of all kinds from the various market gardens, a number of logs, and the carcase of an unfortunate horse, was brought down by the flood, which, however, rapidly subsided during the day. The effects of the storm were probably most severely felt at Burnside, where the rain fell in torrents, being assisted in its work of destruction at one time by a hailstorm. A number of large trees were rooted up, whilst branches of trees were scattered abroad to a considerable distance.
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15. 21-22 June 1887
Heavy rains caused the Wakefield River to overflow and flood causing some property damage.
16. 1-6 April 1889
Thunderstorms and widespread heavy rains , measuring 4-5 inches, caused problems in many districts of South Australia. The Gilbert and tributary creeks overflowed. Flooding was reported from Riverton to Blyth.
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One result of the downpour has been to damage the North line slightly in one or two places....
Mr. Catt, who has been on a visit to the north, telegraphed to the Premier as follows on Tuesday :—
'Stuck up at Riverton. No chance of being in time for Cabinet to-day. Line under water between here and Hamley Bridge, Pilot engine, with district foreman, testing line before train starts. Three and half inches of rain here. Rain general from northern areas downwards.'
Our correspondent states that the permanent way was washed away at Tarlee during the night with a resultant delay to the traffic. Later in the day tbe Railway Commissioners received news that the River Gilbert bad overflowed the line near Stockport and slightly damaged the line. It was expected that the Broken Hill express would be delayed a short time in consequence.
Damage to the line also occurred at Crystal Brook and to the Moonta tramway, but not of a serious nature,
The far north line was also damaged slightly near Kingswood. and caused a delay in the Port Augusta train. Messrs. Syme & Sison on Tuesday received a telegram from one of their customers at Riverton as follows :—
' Cannot come down; line washed away ; 4 inches rain.' None of these injuries appear to be as serious as those which occurred during the heavy floods at the new year.
The following information was supplied us by the traffic manager (Mr. A. J. Pendleton) : —
The lines at Bruce were considerably damaged, but were repaired in time to allow the up-train to pass with the delay of a few hours,
The Moonta and Moonta Bay line was also washed away, as also was the Hoyleton and Blyth line. A telegram was received to say that the reservoir at Blyth is badly damaged by the water overflowing the banks,
The direct line has suffered considerably between Hamley Bridge and Riverton, which delayed the arrival of the first up train from the Burra and the first down-train, but repairs were executed by 2 o'clock to-day.
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17. 20-28 January 1890
Scattered thunderstorms and torrential rain were reported north of Adelaide. Over 5.5 inches fell on Stockport Creek and 4 inches at Stockport, where homes were flooded causing significant damage. The Rivers Light, Gilbert and Wakefield, broke their banks and caused flooding in various country towns and country from Hoyleton to Balaklava.
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18. 1-8 February 1890
Flooding reports came from the Mid-North with damage to roads, fences, telegraph lines, railway lines and other property.
