Friday, 20 December 2019
These updates are as at 11am on Friday, on river works at the Rangitata and in the Waitaki lakes and rivers, where water levels are still high.
The photo above shows the Rangitata River south branch channel late last week.
Rangitata River
As a result of Thursday night's rain, the Rangitata River peaked at the gorge at the flow of 370 cumecs at 9.35 am this morning. This high flow will move down the river system today and we expect this to arrive at the State Highway 1 bridge mid-afternoon.
Environment Canterbury does not expect there to be any significant out of river flows as a result of these higher river levels.
Farmers are still advised to monitor their own situation closely.
Heavy machinery operators, using large bulldozers and diggers will continue working throughout the week to strengthen flood protection works in the Rangitata River at several key locations, including strengthening the Ferry Road bank above Arundel, and working in the river above State Highway 1 and the railway line.
The flood protection river works are still in a vulnerable state and changes in flow and flow paths could result in break outs onto adjacent farm land. While improvements are occurring, works to restore flood protection will take much longer (weeks to months).
Upper Waitaki Catchment
River flows connecting the hydro lakes are high. Genesis Energy is spilling from Lake Tekapo via Lake George Scott into the Tekapo River. Flows of about 180 cumecs are flowing down the Tekapo River. Similar flows are expected to continue over the next few days. Flows may change rapidly. Public are advised to keep away from this river system.
Meridian Energy is spilling down the Pukaki River and this is expected to continue for the rest of the week. Public are advised to keep away from this river system.
Water levels around lakes remain high. Campers should stay well away from river and lake edges.
These messages will be updated when the situation changes.