Lake Opuha

Believe it or not!!  Yes a drought is certainly imminent.

Some 20 years back the Opihi River was damned near Fairlie flooding land to create the lovely Lake Opuha providing water for irrigating the surrounding farmland along with recreational fishing and boating. Because of the continuing dry spell, the lack of substantial snow last winter and irrigation this lake is now virtually a large pond. Terrible to see it like this.

 You can see behind this well worn tree stump the height the lake is usually.  The farmers linked to the Opuha Dam are required to use no more than 50 % of their consent volume and is being monitored daily.....and still no rain on the forcast.

This derelict stump, along with many others are usually well under the water.

I've had a headache all day, I'm very tired and off to bed. Its not yet 9pm.

Rainie