‘Potentially dangerous conditions’ as flood watch continues

The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority is warning about “potentially dangerous conditions” as a flood watch continues for the Sydenham River.

Steve Clark, water resources specialist with the SCRCA, said water levels on the Sydenham River and its tributaries continue to be very high as a result of significant rainfall over the past week.

“Notably in the lower reaches of the watershed closer to Wallaceburg,” he said in a statement.

An anticipated 25mm to 30mm of additional rainfall is expected over the next 24 hours.

“Recorded levels are increasing through the remainder of the watershed and are expected to continue to rise throughout today and into Friday,” Clark said. “This will result in consistently high water levels in addition to the existing high flows experienced throughout this week.”

Clark added: “This is expected to result in potentially dangerous conditions as a result of sudden changes and fast moving flows over the next 24 to 48 hours. Drains, floodplains and smaller watercourses in upstream areas will experience localized flooding in some areas. Conditions are anticipated to moderate into the weekend once flows return to normal conditions.”

Girish Sankar, manager of water resources for the SCRCA, said the Darcy Mckeough Floodway is not being utilized during this event.

“We have strict guidelines for dam operation and we are constantly monitoring the situation to see if the criteria is met for operating the dam,” he told the Sydenham Current.

“Based on the conditions, it is highly unlikely that the dam will be operated this event.”

High water levels are currently being recorded in the upper North Branch of the Sydenham near Petrolia as well, along with the East Branch near Florence with near bank full conditions being reported, Clark said.

This message will remain in effect until Saturday, April 2nd 2016 unless otherwise updated.