Another attempt is to be made to lower the level of Lake Benmore so work can be carried out on facilities around the shore.
Meridian Energy Ltd hopes to lower the lake level about a metre below its minimum operating range for 24 hours from noon on March 21.
However, that is dependent on rainfall in the upper catchment.
A similar attempt in October had to be postponed after heavy rain in the upper catchment caused rivers and Lake Ohau feeding Lake Benmore to rise, along with the lake level.
The lake will be lowered gradually to reach the level aimed for on March 21, then refilled using generation from the Ohau power stations and tributaries.
While the lake is lowered, repairs are planned to the Ohau C boat ramp and landowners will get the chance to remove some fencing.
Land Information New Zealand will also take the opportunity to spray the exposed aquatic weed lagarosiphon that is growing in the lake.
Lowering the lake level will not breach any of Meridian's resource consent conditions, but will be noticeable to those who know the area, as the level will be lower than the usual operating range. The activity will not affect Meridian's generation capacity.
People visiting and using the lake during this time should be aware that the low water level may mean fishing by boat and access in some areas of the lake may be a little more difficult for this short period.
Meridian last lowered the lake for similar activities in February 1999.
