Flood Information - 6 April 2017

Kaikoura and North Canterbury rivers flood alert (11:30am 6 April)

The rainfall over the last 48hrs is expected to continue throughout the day for parts of Canterbury. No out of river flooding is expected though many rivers will be flowing higher than they have been for the last 12 months. In particular:

Kaikoura District:

Heavy rain has eased with scattered showers predicted throughout the day.

The November 14 earthquake and subsequent aftershocks have led to numerous landslide dams being formed in North Canterbury and Kaikoura rivers and streams. Information on the landslide dams is available here.

As a precaution it is strongly advised to keep away from all riverbeds north of the Waiau River in case there are any sudden releases of water. We expect that the lakes above the landslides in these catchments have filled and overtopped. Extra vigilance is advised in the Linton, Ote-Makura (Goose Bay) and Hapuku River catchments.

Hurunui District:

Rain is forecast to persist through the day. Extra vigilence is advised in the Conway River due to an earthquake induced landslide dam in the headwaters. The Waipara and Kowai Rivers are also rising.

Waimakariri District:

Rain is forecast to persist through the day. Expect to see high flows the Ashley, Okuku, Makerikeri, Eyre and Cust Rivers near Rangiora & Kaiapoi. No out of river flooding is anticipated. Some localised surface flooding can be expected in these areas.

Banks Peninsula:

Heavy Rain is forecast to persist on Banks Peninsula longer than on the Canterbury Plains. Expect to see high river levels in all waterways on the Peninsula including around Little River and Akaroa.

Mid Canterbury:

The Selwyn River is beginning to rise at the top of the catchment, expect this flow to move down through the river system this afternoon.

The Ashburton River is rising, approximately mean annual flows are expected in the North Branch and it's tributaries and in the main stem at SH1.

The Hinds River is rising and water is flowing on river berms in some locations.

Environment Canterbury staff are monitoring the condition of flood protection infrastructure. At this stage, no out of river flooding is anticipated.

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