ORC to update Upper Clutha community on local flood and erosion hazards

ORC will present the results of its modelling research on the possible effects of flooding and erosion hazards in the Upper Clutha next week.

Scientists from the ORC natural hazards team will visit Cromwell to present results from the new report: Flood and erosion hazard in the Clutha River/Mata-Au between Queensberry and Lake Dunstan.

The public report launch is taking place on Thursday 4 December at the Golden Gate Lodge from 7.30pm.

ORC director engineering, hazards and science Gavin Palmer says due to the unpredictable nature of flood events and bank erosion, no area alongside the margins of the Clutha River/Mata-Au can be considered completely free of flood and erosion hazard risks.

“The report includes composite flood hazard maps showing valley floor areas which may suffer flooding in a one-in-100 year event.”

“This information is vital for future property planning and development in the area.”

“This report indicates where existing properties and other assets are vulnerable to one or more of the potential hazards in the area, which include flooding, bank erosion, and alluvial fans,” Dr Palmer said.