Flood Status

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT: WATER SAFETY
ISSUED DECEMBER 13, 2019 @ 12:00PM
Flood Potential: Low

The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority advises that a late fall storm will bring 20 to 25mm of rainfall to the region this Saturday. Temperatures are currently on the rise and will hover just above freezing until early Sunday morning.

The thin snowpack that currently exists will be melting over the next two days adding runoff to local water bodies. The watersheds of the Ganaraska Region are generally wet and stream flows are slightly elevated due to recent rainfall. The forecasted rainfall combined with melting snow will cause all streams, ponds and ditches to experience high water levels and flows over the weekend.

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 Monday, December 16^th, 2019. 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                                                                 Cory Harris, P.Eng.
Flood Operations Officer                                           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.