Flood Advisory

Friday 11 January 2013 0900hrs

Otago River And Lake Level Alert

Otago Regional Council flood managers are continuing to closely monitor Otago river and lake levels, as water levels in parts of the region remain high after recent heavy rain.

River and lake levels continue to rise in the Wakatipu, Wanaka, and Hawea lakes catchments. Lakes Wanaka and Wakatipu are still high and rising and both are now expected to peak late this afternoon or early evening.

Lake Wakatipu is currently at 311.12m and rising, and is expected to peak at 311.2m, which may cause minor flooding in low-lying parts of the lake margin. Lake Wanaka is currently at 279.3m and rising and is expected to peak at 279.4m. Similarly, this may also cause flooding of low-lying areas around the lake.

Flows in the Lower Clutha/Matau-Au at Balclutha are expected to peak by late afternoon at around 1700 cubic metres a second. Flows are currently 1470 cumecs below the Roxburgh dam and the river level is rising.

ORC staff will continue to monitor the situation and issue further updates and specific warnings as required.

River level and rainfall information can be checked on the ORC water info webpage

www.orc.govt.nz/waterinfo or by phoning 0800 426 463

ORC duty flood manager

ENDS

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