and faulted with Early Silurian Wyangala Granite, which has intruded passively, deformed Ordovician greywackes and volcaniclastics. The local Wyangala landform is characterised by granite rock outcrops and large boulders, scattered throughout a hilly landscape. This contributes greatly to the soils of the area, which are largely formed from the weathering of granite. They include fragile, shallow stony soils on the steep slopes, to naturally acidic and sodic soils on the lower slopes. These soils are prone to degradation issues, and are susceptible to erosion, nutrient loss and salinity. The climate is warm and temperate in Wyangala, with significant rainfall throughout the year. According to Köppen climate classification it is classified as Cfa. The average annual temperature in Wyangala is , and it receives about precipitation. The warmest month of the year is January with an average temperature of . In July, the average temperature falls to , the lowest average temperature of the whole year. The difference in precipitation between the driest month and the wettest month is . Average temperatures vary during the year by . Recent times Earthquake In October 2006 a magnitude 4 earthquake was felt throughout the New South Wales Central West, with the epicenter at Wyangala. An earthquake of this magnitude is classified as Light on the Richter scale and usually results in noticeable shaking of indoor objects and rattling noises. The State Water Corporation examined Wyangala Dam to see if it bore damage, finding that pressure and seepage gauges were unaffected by the earthquake. In addition, no damage or injuries were reported within the village or the State Park. Dam wall road closure In 2009 NSW State Water Corporation announced plans to permanently close public road access over Wyangala Dam wall, because of the introduction of 'tough new security measures' and to comply with occupational health and safety requirements. This new policy was to coincide with a significant upgrade and increase in height of the Dam wall. State Water proposed that alternative access be provided to Wyangala via Mt McDonald Road. This announcement angered locals, as they believed the implications of such a change had not been considered. Concerns included: Access to Wyangala Dam Public School, where children would need to travel to get to school and back, instead of having a journey Local workers on the 'wrong' side of the dam wall not being able to make the long detour via Mt McDonald