Meridian is advising that from Thursday 11 December it will start the controlled release of water at Benmore Dam, with releases at Aviemore and Waitaki to follow. The lakes are currently very high and nearing their maximum consented levels.
Anyone camping or using any of the areas around Lakes Benmore, Aviemore and Waitaki is asked to follow all signage and instructions and ensure they are a safe distance from the water’s edge. People should take special care if they are downstream of any dams or hydraulic structures, as river flows and levels will be unpredictable.
If people see anyone who may be at immediate risk of harm, please call 111.
The lakes and rivers within the Waitaki catchment are very high due to recent rainfall and snowmelt. Meridian has been releasing water from Lake Pūkaki since Wednesday 3 December.
There is currently no end date for the releases – it will happen when inflows reduce. Updates will be provided via media advisory and on the Meridian Facebook page.