2021 had a very wet start to the year down south (Central Otago). Good for farmers, bad for orchardists (all those split cherries ⛈), and now looking dodgy for bike packers!
River levels around the region were up in January to many times normal for that time of year.
12 times normal just after New Years!
Things had started to settle down as the weather turned for the better but they were still high. I rode the Omarama Saddle and West Manuherikia (GSB2021 Leg 3 Omarama to St. Bathans) on Saturday and water levels were still high (probably running at 4/5 or so). Coming back up the East Manuherikia and over Little Omarama Saddle was better as there are only 3 river crossings.
River levels would have returned to normal (2) by the start of the GSB with good weather. Unfortunately more fronts have come through this week:
The course GPX file has the alternate (Flood) routes already included. Please check you have the track 'GSB21_L3a_Flood' on your GPS.
Will make an announcement on the route soon but be prepared for the extra climb ⛰ up Little Omarama Saddle. You will still have one large river crossing so please ensure you have others around to assist or as backup. A completely dry route is possible but a substantial change in course (still a very nice ride) but we should be OK using the alternate you have on your GPS if levels continue to drop.
Forecast for the week was positive: "This brings fine weather to most places by the end of the week, and allows temperatures to rebound to near normal," See: Weather News 18 January, 2021
No comments:
Post a Comment