This message was posted on Tuesday 18 June 2013 at 11.30am. Up to 130mm of rain fell in the South Canterbury and Waitaki Valley foothills and plains from early Sunday 16 June to late Monday. All foothill rivers in the area peaked on Monday afternoon and flows are continuing to drop. ECan staff are assessing the damage to the river systems and stopbanks. Stopbank breaches on the Lower Waihao River has reduced considerably the flood carrying capacity of this river. Other rivers may also have suffered damage. The Met Service has advised ECan that the forecast southerly change on late Wednesday and Thursday is expected to bring little rain to the South Canterbury foothills and coastal area. All farmers adjacent to foothill rivers are advised to check their own situation as even modest amounts of rain may result in a rapid rise in river levels.
This message will updated if the situation changes significantly. Website links:
http://ecan.govt.nz/services/online-services/monitoring/river-flows/Pages/River-flows-south.aspx
http://ecan.govt.nz/services/online-services/monitoring/rainfall/Pages/rainfall-south-canterbury.aspx