The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority has issued a Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook for March 5 to March 10, warning that rain and melting snow are expected to raise water levels in local rivers and streams.
Rain today and again on Saturday, combined with warm temperatures over the next several days, is expected to cause water levels to rise across the watershed.
“A weather system is moving through the area, bringing with it today and over the weekend 10 to 25 mm of rain and temperatures well above freezing,” the authority said. “Most of the rain is forecast for this afternoon and late Friday through to Saturday afternoon.”
Temperatures are forecast to reach 10 C on Friday, remain warm overnight, and then climb to a high of 18 C by Saturday afternoon. The conservation authority says the warmer conditions are expected to melt most, if not all, of the remaining snow in the watershed.
St. Clair Region Conservation Authority staff conducted a snow survey on Monday, March 2, which reported an average of 5 mm of water content in the snowpack across the watershed.
Officials say the ground is already saturated and has a low ability to absorb additional water. As a result, rain and snowmelt will quickly run off into local watercourses, with water expected to overflow into low-lying areas that typically flood during the spring.
“Some watercourses have started to show signs of rising,” the authority said. “SCRCA expects water levels to continue to rise gradually and remain elevated into next week.”
Municipal staff are being asked to monitor local conditions closely, particularly in areas known to experience drainage problems. The conservation authority notes that drifting snow in many rural areas can fill ditches and smaller watercourses, blocking drainage during runoff events and increasing the potential for flooding.
Residents are also being urged to stay away from watercourses and flooded areas due to dangerous conditions, including slippery banks, unsafe ice cover and cold, fast-moving water. Children and pets should be kept away from the water.
The conservation authority says it will continue monitoring watershed conditions and will issue advisories to municipalities and the media if flooding issues arise.
The statement remains in effect until 12 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, unless it is updated earlier.
