The Otago Regional Council (ORC) is closely monitoring rainfall and lake and river levels as heavy rain continues to fall in the headwaters.

River levels in the Wānaka and Wakatipu catchments are rising as heavy rain falls in the Otago headwaters, but ORC flood duty officer Tim van Woerden says flow conditions and lake levels mean that the risk of widespread flooding is currently low.

Metservice has issued an orange heavy rain warning for the Otago headwaters until 3am tomorrow (Thursday February 3). 

“The forecasts are for heavy rain to continue until early morning tomorrow, and then for widespread but lower-intensity rain over much of Otago until Friday,” Tim said.

“While our neighbours on the West Coast are bearing the brunt of this event, we are not anticipating any major flooding issues for Otago at this stage.”

 He said the levels of lakes Wānaka and Wakatipu should rise over the next two days “but they should remain well below alarm levels.”

Tim said there could be localised flooding at headwaters of rivers like the Makarora, Matukituki, Dart and Rees.

“We urge people using these rivers, for fishing or on walks, to take extra care in the area at this time.

While heavy rain is due to continue until early morning Thursday, the ORC is not anticipating any major flooding risk.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) said Mount Aspiring Road has been closed roughly 10km before the Raspberry Creek carpark due to heavy rainfall washing out Glenfinnon Ford.

In a statement QLDC said the road is likely to remain closed for a few days and “it’s also possible that other fords along the road will be similarly affected between now and the weekend. 

“People should avoid driving into the [Mount Aspiring] National Park until further notice.”

The Department of Conservation (DOC) is working to assist any trampers who might be trying to leave the park.

To view water monitoring and alert information for Otago, click here.