Nearly a dozen dams formed by landslides in the devastating Kaikoura quake are being closely monitored for risk of sudden collapse and fears of flash flooding.
GeoNet has posted a blog pinpointing the 11 newly formed dams causing the most concern on rivers in the Kaikoura area. Three at the highest level of risk are being monitored closely by landslide experts because they may be hazardous to life and property downstream.
![The Hapaku River has a dam formed by a rock, sand and silt avalanche. Photo / Geonet](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/DCNKUHXXM6MSTLPBKUTQFLX4VM.jpg?auth=5f5d6d7b3175b4485fb798735387d0b9b9c1c180a874885bd1f6a6497d91fa27&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
The dams are in the Conway, Gelt, Hapuku, Leader upstream, Leader downstream, Linton, Medway, Ote Makura, Stanton, Towy and Waima Rivers.
Those threatening the most imminent danger are Linton, Conway and Hapuku Rivers.