Photos: Landslide and Newly-formed lakeKEY POINTS:
Authorities monitoring a lake formed by a massive landslide in Mount Aspiring National Park were today setting up a camera and other equipment in the area to help keep a close eye on it.
The landslide, discovered last Wednesday, created a lake in the upper Young River Valley about 2km in length and 500m at its widest point.
The Department of Conservation, Queenstown Lakes District Council and Otago Regional Council (ORC) representatives have urged people to stay clear of the valley below the dam in case it bursts.
ORC spokesman Gavin Palmer said this morning a lack of rain appeared to have slowed the rate the lake level had been rising for the time being.
He said the council was installing lake level monitoring gear which was likely to be operable this morning. A video camera was also being set up over the dam.
"We will be able to get a much better handle on what is happening on a 24/7 basis," he said.
Mr Palmer said some flows through the centre of the dam were continuing but there was no way of knowing when the dam wall may give way.
Residents who could be affected by the situation were being kept informed.
- NZPA
