High flows into hydro storage lakes in the upper Waitaki catchment are starting to ease, but the Waitaki River is likely to remain in flood until after this weekend.
Yesterday, the river was flowing at between 1159 and 1200cumecs.
That flow is likely to be maintained for a few days, Meridian's external relations manager, Claire Shaw, said .
The current flows, which peaked at more than 1500cumecs - over four times its normal daily average - are the highest since December 1995.
Yesterday, both Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki were still above their maximum operating levels.
However, as flows fall Environment Canterbury has again warned farmers and people living in low-lying areas along the river to be vigilant in case of flooding.
Water close to the Waitaki Bridge Park houses, just south of the State Highway 1 Waitaki River bridge, has receded but flood protection barriers will remain in place.
