NEWS RELEASE
GRAND RIVER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
*************************
The Grand River Watershed received between 20 and 30mm of rain on Wednesday night. This rain coupled with snowmelt over the past few days has resulted in high runoff throughout the watershed. Temperatures are expected to drop today, which should lower the risk of additional snow melt.
Elevated levels in rivers and streams across the watershed are expected to persist and increase as a result of this week’s weather systems.
The combination of snowmelt and rainfall could push the stream levels higher resulting in minor flooding in low lying areas. Moving ice also creates the potential for ice jams. Conditions will be monitored closely.
- Nith River: Higher water levels are moving down the Nith River in response to yesterday’s rain fall and snow melt. Water levels are expected to peak near Level 1 in New Hamburg and Ayr. Flood co-ordinators in New Hamburg and Ayr should prepare to warn residents if conditions change.
- Entire Watershed: Risk of flooding from ice jams as broken ice moves through the river system with higher flows.
The major reservoirs at Belwood, Conestogo, Guelph, Luther, Woolwich, Laurel, and Shades are at low winter holding levels and have storage available to manage runoff.
Stay Safe
The public is reminded to exercise extreme caution around all water bodies. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery at this time and, when combined with current weather conditions, pose a serious hazard.
Parents are encouraged to keep their children and pets away from all watercourses and off frozen water bodies, which may be weakened as a result of the warming trend.
This message will remain in effect until noon on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017. Updated flood messages will be issued as conditions develop.
*************************
