Waitaki lakes campers have been warned to keep a watch on lake levels during the Christmas holidays.
Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo, the two main storage lakes at the top of the Waitaki hydro-electricity generation system, are unusually full for this time of year; about twice the level they were in December last year.
That means if there is heavy rainfall in the top of the Waitaki catchment, Meridian Energy Ltd may have to generate or spill water, affecting the levels of Lakes Benmore, Aviemore and Waitaki, where thousands of campers spend their Christmas holidays.
Yesterday, Lake Tekapo was 708.43m above sea level (masl) and rising. Its maximum operating range is 710.9masl.
Lake Pukaki was 529.69masl and also rising. Its maximum operating range is 532masl.
That put Tekapo at 80% full and Pukaki at 75%.
In the past, campers have been caught out by lake levels rising, flooding their campsites.
Spokesman Alan Seay said while Meridian tried to avoid spilling water, it remained a possibility.
All it would take was a heavy rainfall.
While Meridian attempted to notify campers if it did spill water, campers also needed to be aware that Benmore, Aviemore and Waitaki were working lakes and levels could change at short notice.
Environment Canterbury (ECan) natural hazards officer Phil Lees said camp sites should be chosen with that in mind.
Clear weather in the lower valley did not mean rain was not falling in the upper catchment, particularly during December and January when northwest conditions could bring heavy falls in the upper catchment.
"Before picking out a campsite, check to see whether it is too close or too low in relation to the lake," he said.
Information about rainfall and river flows can be obtained on the ECan website, or through its 24-hour river line (0900-748-37).
Charges apply.
