The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority advises that Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for our area. Periods of heavy rainfall are expected on Wednesday with the arrival of a low-pressure system.
Light showers will occur today followed by periods of heavy rainfall with potential for embedded thunderstorms through the day tomorrow. Total rainfall amounts of 15 to 25mm are expected.
Temperatures will be slightly above freezing today and will rise to a high of 8°C by tomorrow afternoon.
Overnight lows will remain above freezing for the next two nights. The mild temperatures combined with the forecasted rainfall will cause the snowpack to begin melting causing additional runoff.
Local streams are currently flowing at normal levels for winter and are still covered by significant amounts of ice. The runoff caused by the melting snow and rainfall will be enough to break up and mobilize some of this ice accumulation. Ice jamming is a possibility as water levels rise following the heaviest rainfall tomorrow afternoon. Typical ice jam locations should be monitored closely for accumulations that could cause flooding. Significant flooding is not anticipated at this time and by Thursday night temperatures should fall below freezing again, which will greatly reduce the rate of melting and runoff.
Over the next three days, higher than normal water levels and flows will occur in local streams,
and ditches. In addition, slippery stream banks and fast flowing, cold water will create hazardous
conditions around all water bodies, especially in the vicinity of culverts and bridges. All ice cover
on streams, lakes and ponds should be considered weak and extremely hazardous. Please
exercise caution around all water bodies and alert any children in your care of these hazards.
This Watershed Conditions Statement will be in effect until Friday, March 7th, 2024 at 12pm.
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
Author: Pete Fisher
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