Lake Wakatipu was no longer expected to reach levels predicted yesterday but the threat of flooding remained.

“We are in a better position than we predicted but the lake is high and still rising slowly. We also still have the threat of wave damage should we experience strong winds,” Queenstown Lakes District Council Mayor Clive Geddes said.

As predicted by MetService heavy rain fell on and spilled over the divide last night delivering 50mm of rain to the Wakatipu Catchment.

“That rainfall is continuing to slowly push the lake level up,” Otago Regional director environmental engineering and natural hazards Gavin Palmer said.

The ORC model now predicted that with no further rainfall the lake might peak at between 311.5m and 311.55m.

“That still gives us low level flooding in Queenstown Bay, Glenorchy and Kingston,” Mr Geddes said.

Two houses had been evacuated at Kingston and one at Glenorchy. Reserve areas and sections of road were flooded on the Queenstown foreshore.

It was likely the lake would remain high for several days although without further rainfall the ORC predicted the lake could recede below flood warning level in over a week’s time.

Rain forecast for Monday was now likely to fall to the west of the catchment.

“At this point both Councils will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide the community with the information and support it needs,” Mr Geddes said.

Lake Wanaka continued to rise slowly today but remained 316mm below the first warning level.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Queenstown Lakes District Council
Clive Geddes 027 229 4860.

Otago Regional Council
ORC political: Cr Duncan Butcher 0274 34 3876.
ORC River Lake Monitoring: Gavin Palmer
ORC Director, Environmental engineering and natural hazards
0274 933 960

A media briefing will take place at 11am on Saturday at the Council Chamber, Queenstown.

By: Andrea Bunting