Canterbury river levels Dec 29, 2010 - Update 3pm

Waitaki Rivers and Lakes.

Lakes Tekapo, Pukaki and Ohau are full and Meridian Energy is spilling water down the Tekapo, Pukaki and Ohau Rivers.

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

As a result of high outflow from the upper catchment, lake levels at Benmore, Aviemore and Waitaki are high. A discharge of between 1200 -1500 cumecs from Lake Waitaki into the Waitaki River is predicted to be maintained over the next week.

Farmers, landowners, holidaymakers and campers adjacent to the Lower Waitaki River and the lakes need to be aware of the risk of continuing high water levels.

Flows in the Rangitata River have dropped to below 600 cumecs, down from 2150 cumecs yesterday, and will continue to drop over the next few days.

Environment Canterbury is continuing to monitor river levels however the Timaru flood control room is now closed.

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.