Already, more than 100 potholes caused by the recent rain have been identified in ACT roads. Other damage, particularly to low-level bridges, cannot be fully assessed until water levels fall.

Saturated soil has caused about 20 trees or large sections of trees to fall in Canberra. About half of these were on public land and about half on private land. In Turner, a large tree fell on to a parked car on Thursday afternoon.

A spokesman for Territory and Municipal Services said staff were monitoring leaning trees which might have been destabilised by the wet conditions. Meanwhile, people were reminded to stay clear of trees, particularly in high wind.

In 2009-10, a city-wide audit of trees had begun. It had been completed in 92 per cent of suburbs. Any trees identified presenting an immediate risk were removed if required.

An assessment of the fallen tree in Turner had identified rot in one of its large roots. This was not visible in the most recent assessment of that tree. None of the other trees which had fallen had been programmed for removal.

Trees in Lake Burley Griffin have damaged the buoy line around the Captain Cook Memorial Jet. Others have gone over Scrivener Dam.

A National Capital Authority spokeswoman said that with fast-moving water and pollution in the lake, it was difficult to begin clearing trees.

A spill of partially treated sewage from the Queanbeyan treatment plant means the lake is closed for at least six days to all use except commercial ferry operators.