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Otago flood records remain intact

Wednesday 2 June 2010, 3:29PM

By Otago Regional Council

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OTAGO

Last week's flooding may have caused widespread damage and disruption in Otago, but according to data compiled by the Otago Regional Council (ORC), it did not set any new records.

ORC staff have done a comprehensive analysis of peak flow and rainfall levels, which shows that in terms of flows, the latest flooding was about the third-highest event since the 1986 flood in North Otago. It was also the third-highest on the Taieri at Outram since 1968.

ORC director of environmental information and science John Threlfall said that, while the rainfall and flooding was prolonged and caused havoc, it did not rank particularly highly compared to historical flood events.

However, some readings did stand out, including the 260.5mm of rain recorded over two days at the Dasher in North Otago. This went close to breaking the record for the highest rainfall since records began in 1995 of 265mm in January 2002.

The peak flow on the Kakanui River at Clifton Falls was 443 cumecs, which went close to the second-highest peak flow of 452 cumecs recorded in July 1994.

The Taieri River at Outram recorded 1198 cumecs well short of June 1980 (2526 cumecs) and December 1993 (1467 cumecs).

The full list of readings covering the greater Otago area, including North Otago, Dunedin, and the lower Clutha, is attached.

>> Dowload a comparison of historic flood data