From 16 to 18 December 2010, heavy rainfall in the Gascoyne River catchment caused major flooding, with falls in excess of 250-300 mm in a 24-hour period.

Highest river levels on record were measured at three of the five river gauging stations along the Gascoyne River. The flood caused significant soil erosion, with extensive damage caused to crops and infrastructure. Homes and homesteads in the nearby towns of Carnarvon and Gascoyne Junction were flooded and the 100 year-old local pub was washed away. At least 2000 cattle drowned.

Western Australia’s Department of Agriculture and Food estimated the damage to be $90 million.