This image of the Young Valley lake was taken by the
Department of Conservation in 2010. Photo by DOC.
Intense rain predictions for today and tomorrow have
caused the Department of Conservation to issue a "high alert"
warning for the Young Valley landslip dam in the Mt Aspiring
National Park.
The MetService predicts severe northwest gales and
100mm-150mm of rain in South Westland.
Doc's Wanaka visitor information ranger Simon Mazzotti said
if it rained as predicted, water levels could trigger a "code
red" warning for the Young Valley, closing the area to the
public.
"At this stage, we are putting out `high alert' warning
signage in nearby visitor centres and at relevant track
entrances.
"We are advising people to stay out of the Young Valley until
further notice," he said.
The Young Valley landslip dam formed in September 2007,
creating a lake which was 579.2m deep yesterday.
Doc and several other agencies implemented a code red warning
system, in case the dam should burst and flood the valley.
The warning threshold is 300mm of rain.
The MetService says winds are expected to become severe at
times today in exposed inland parts of the lower South
Island, with gusts up to 140kmh.
"Winds of this strength have the potential to damage trees
and power lines as well as weaker structures and are likely
to make driving hazardous, especially for tall-sided
vehicles," the MetService said.
Fiordland could receive about 200mm-300mm of rain an hour,
quickly raising the flows of rivers and streams. Headwaters
of Otago and South Canterbury rivers and lakes faced a
significant spillover risk.
Environment Southland's harbourmaster yesterday warned boat
owners to check moorings were secure, particularly in
Fiordland and on Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri.
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