The possibility of the Upper Manorburn dam overflowing prompted a meeting of emergency management agencies in Alexandra yesterday.
No homes were at risk and if an uncontrolled release of water happened, it would flow into a rural and largely unpopulated area, Central Otago District Council emergency management officer Hamish Keith said.
It was the first time in about 14 years the dam, southeast of Alexandra, had been full to overflowing, Ida Valley Irrigation Company manager Darryl Sims said.
"We're monitoring it closely after the heavy rain and snowfall in the area. We've managed to get a crew in to inspect the dam and the water is still about 7.5cm from the top, so we'll continue to keep an eye on it in the next day or so, as the snow melts. Fortunately, the weather forecast for the coming days is good," Mr Keith said yesterday afternoon.
A meeting was called yesterday morning between police, the district council, the Otago Regional Council and the irrigation company to discuss the situation.
The property owners affected had been alerted and fences on those properties were likely to be the only casualty if the excess water spilled into the Manorburn Creek and boosted the flow, Mr Keith said.
Mr Sims said there had been lots of snow in the area five or six weeks ago, followed by more snow and rain yesterday.
"The ground is absolutely saturated out there."
Water was being drawn away from the dam " but there's only so much we can take out." However, irrigators would be pleased the dam was so full for a change, as it bodes well for summer.
• Heavy snow forced the closure of Danseys Pass Rd yesterday. Police and roading authorities warned motorists to take care throughout the Maniototo after a cold snap brought snow to the area. The Ida Valley and Maniototo received a 6cm coating in the morning.
Senior Constable Fred Aplin said the volume of traffic through Omakau was high as motorists diverted through the Pigroot.
"People are driving to the conditions, though, and the locals are well aware of the need to take it quietly on roads around here, especially Black's Hill, when it's been snowing or is icy."
Ice or snow could still be in shaded areas today , he said.
