WELLINGTON COUNTY – Four intersecting conservation authorities in Wellington County have issued water safety statements due to previous and forecast rainfall.
On Jan. 2 and 3, conservation authorities in the Grand River, Credit Valley and Saugeen Valley issued water safety statements calling for increased caution around waterways this week.
No significant flooding is expected in any watersheds.
The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) previously issued a flood watch on Dec. 31, which has since been downgraded.
“Most watercourses crested Sunday evening/Monday morning, but water levels remain high,” a Jan. 3 SVCA news release states.
“With rain forecast and ground saturation, flows are expected to remain high for the next several days and may be full again.”
An incoming weather system could bring up to 30mm of rain on January 3 and 4, resulting in increased river flows, according to conservation officials.
A press release from the Credit Valley Conservation Authority (CVCA) states that the watershed has already received between 25 and 30 mm of rain in recent days.
Although authorities say “significant flooding” is not expected from this week’s rain, river and stream flows will rise, especially in low-lying flood-prone areas.
“Local streams and rivers could become dangerous, especially around sewers, bridges and dams,” the CVCA statement said.
The GRCA is using reservoirs to reduce flooding downstream, according to its statement, but high river flows will remain for several days.
“The public is encouraged to use extreme caution around all local waterways,” GRCA officials stated.
In light of the warmer temperatures, the GRCA has also closed all ice fishing at its locations and recommends that people stay off ice “significantly weakened” by the recent weather.
All water safety statements remain in effect until January 6.
The Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) has also issued a water safety statement, effective until January 4, for all municipal watersheds and the Nine Mile River.
The MVCA is forecasting “widespread rainfall” of between 15 and 25 mm, according to a Dec. 30 statement, but officials do not expect significant flooding as a result.
For real-time watershed conditions, visit the relevant conservation authority’s website.