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Yes these rivers can rise dangerously quick. At the moment it is autumn here so most of the snow melt is over but you can still get heavy rainfall coming through from the west flowing into the river even when it may be a sunny day further down the river.
But in spring if heavy rain up on the headwaters combines with snow melt the river can rise even faster.
Modern weather forecasts are fairly reliable but are still not 100% so it is important to check what the forecast is before setting out and still plan for the worst. There is no cellphone coverage from Carrington hut westward but the hut does have a 2 way radio from which you can call the parks department in nearby Arthurs Pass village- they can call in the helicopters or give you an update on the weather.
Just walked out of there yesterday and today from down on the plains can see heavy cloud covering the alps and pushing across to this side...was lucky to get the three days of good weather and get out just before it closed in.
That sounds like a lovely hike.
I spent a lot of time following rivers up to their mother glaciers in the pacific northwest. Those were some of my favorite walks.
Once learned a good lesson about how daytime snow melt can change the quality of such a river. What is a little wade in the AM can become a big thrashing swim in the afternoon in the way home.
I'm quite envious of your tramp though as I haven't done one like it in a while. Beautiful.