Canterbury river levels Dec 28 2010 – Update 9.40 am.

Heavy rain has been falling in alpine areas of Canterbury over the last 36 hours, however Metservice says that rain is now easing. This rainfall has resulted in high flows in the Rangitata River as well as in the lakes and rivers in the Waitaki area.

Rangitata River .

The Rangitata River flow at the Klondyke recorder was 1744 cumecs as at 9am today. The flow in the river is expected to continue to rise over the next few hours. Farmers and other landowners adjacent to the river are advised to monitor their own situation closely. Recreational river users and campers also need to take extreme care if entering the Rangitata Riverbed. Environment Canterbury is monitoring the situation.

Upper Waitaki Lakes and Rivers.

Approximately 400mm of rain has been recorded at the Mt Cook rain gauge over the last 36 hours.

Lakes Tekapo, Pukaki and Ohau are full and further rain in the catchment has lead to spills down the Tekapo, Pukaki and Ohau Rivers . Flows in these rivers are likely to increase through the day.

Holidaymakers and campers in the vicinity need to be aware of the risk of rising rivers and lakes.

The Ahuriri River has risen to over 400 cumecs at 9am. Campers and holidaymakers near the river or those tramping in the area should also be wary of rising river levels.

Lakes Benmore, Aviemore, Waitaki and the Lower Waitaki River

As a result of high inflows in the upper catchment lake levels at Benmore, Aviemore and Waitaki have increased. 850 cumecs of water is being discharged at Benmore and this will lead to higher flows in the Lower Waitaki River starting in the next couple of hours. Flows will increase over the next few days given the saturated conditions in the catchment.

Farmers, landowners, Holidaymakers and campers adjacent to the Lower Waitaki River and the lakes need to be aware of the risk of rising rivers and lakes.

For the latest flow information refer to Environment Canterbury's River Flow page http://ecan.govt.nz/services/online-services/monitoring/river-flows/Pages/River-flows-south.aspx .

This message will be updated when the situation changes significantly.

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