Whanganui still low on water

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 673, 11 February 1997, Page 6

Whanganui still low on water

The Whanganui River is still low even with the recent heavy rain. Pipiriki staff say the river level is sitting at 1 .4 metres but expect it to rise slightly with the wet weather. The rain has restocked water catchers at huts in the Whanganui National Park, which had been running low. Camp sites and tracks are greasy under foot and care is needed. River user numbers are few with only 40 canoeists counted by DoC staff on the river last Thursday. Further up the river DoC staff will be doing weed control along the river banks this week. The Rangitikei River is also very low with rafts hitting the bottom when travelling down rapids.

Tracks in the Whanganui National Park are in good condition but are muddy again after the wet weather. The track to Omaru Hut has recently been upgraded. The lower section of the Aramoana is closed but the top section is open. Trains Track is closed except to experienced trampers. DoC staff are clearing garden ivy from the Paengaroa Scenic Reserve, near Mangaweka this week.