Meridian Energy was yesterday spilling water from Lake Pukaki and Lake Ōhau and has also opened up the spillage gates at Benmore, Aviemore and Waitaki power stations.
Meridian generation general manager Tania Palmer said the lakes and rivers within the Waitaki catchment remained high due to significant, ongoing rainfall and snowmelt since mid-September.
"We’ve been releasing water from Lake Pukaki since December 3 as required by our consents when the lake reaches its maximum consented level.
"Heavy rainfall over the weekend has again boosted inflows to well above average and from Sunday, we have been increasing the amount of spill," she said.
The Lake Pukaki levels were sitting on and at times, in the past few days, over the maximum allowed limit of 532.5m.
"Our teams are monitoring the situation very closely and we’re working with Environment Canterbury to ensure all river and lakes users are aware that levels can change at any time.
The Pukaki River should not be entered under any circumstances and all warning signs should be obeyed as currents and river flows would be unpredictable, Meridian said.
The release from Pukaki was expected to be around 500 cumecs for this current week.
Spill has also commenced at Lake Ohau weir of about 23 cumecs.
About 15GWh was being spilled every day, which Meridian described as moderate.
This level of spill last occurred in 2020.
The Tasman River is in flood after heavy rain in the mountains and more rain is expected in coming days.
