Lake Level Update 10am

Low level flooding of reserves and roads around Queenstown Bay is expected within the next 24-hours with further rain expected later today in the Lake Wakatipu catchment, Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Clive Geddes said.

Overnight Lake Wakatipu remained steady rising by only 100mm, taking this morning’s level to 311.226mm as at 10am.

“Some retailers have taken the precaution of moving stock to high ground as a precaution , whilst others are adopting a ‘wait and see’ approach,’ Mr Geddes said.
The lake needed to rise a further 100mm before flooding of low lying areas occurred and another 600mm before entering premises on the lake shore.

“Right now we have blue skies in Queenstown but at this stage we are looking at a forecast that could carry a further 70-150mm of rainfall in the catchment. We also need to factor in the wind,” Mr Geddes said.

Regardless of forecast rain, the lake was already high enough to cause flooding and potentially some damage to property through wave action.

“As a precaution the Council will start installing 900mm pipes and concrete blocks around the foreshore this morning,” Mr Geddes said.

Council had also taken the decision to set up sandbagging stations in the Central Business District by 1pm.
“At this stage it is not needed but at the point, if we reach that point, that it is required, it is ready to hand,” Mr Geddes said.

It was also important to put the flooding in context.

“If the lake gets to the level where it is affecting a small number of retailers on the lake front, it will continue to be business as usual for the town,” he said.
Flooding and lake levels