Flood Status

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT: WATER SAFETY
ISSUED: MARCH 12, 2020, 12:00 PM
Flood Potential: Low

The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority advises that a weather system will move into Southern Ontario overnight with the potential for heavy rainfall on Friday morning. Rainfall combined with melting snow and saturated ground conditions will result in higher than normal water levels and flows in local watercourses.

Recent mild weather and light rain has melted much of the snowpack and saturated the ground reducing its ability to soak up the rain. Flows were elevated over the past few days, however they have receded somewhat, which will continue with the sunny weather today. Ice cover on streams has melted or broken up and so the risk of ice jams has passed.

Weather forecasts indicate rainfall of 10 to 15 mm can be expected on Friday morning. While not a significant amount of rain, when combined with saturated ground conditions and melting snow, the runoff could result in high flows that present a safety hazard for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc.

While no flooding is anticipated, high flows at this time of year can be dangerous. Slippery stream banks and fast flowing, cold water will create hazardous conditions around all bodies of water. As a result, local streams and rivers may become dangerous, especially in the vicinity of culverts and bridges. In addition, any ice covered ponds or wetlands should be avoided due to thinning or unstable ice conditions. Children should be warned to stay away from all watercourses and shorelines.

This Watershed Conditions Statement will be in effect through Sunday, March 15th, 2020. Conservation Authority staff will continue to monitor watershed conditions and provide updates as necessary. Should you have any questions or wish to report flooding, please contact the following GRCA staff at 905-885-8173.

Mike Smith
Flood Operations Officer

Cory Harris, P.Eng.
Flood Warning Coordinator

Note: A Watershed Condition Statement for Water Safety is issued as notice of the potential for high flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.