WELLINGTON COUNTY – Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) reminds residents of dangers near rivers, streams, ponds and lakes this time of year, and urges people to keep family and pets away from the edges of all waterways.
Lower-than-normal snowfall this winter, and periods of warm temperatures in January and February, have resulted in an early snowmelt.
The ground within the Credit River Watershed is now saturated.
During periods of intense rain, there could be higher amounts of runoff. Slippery, unstable stream banks, and extremely cold-water temperatures can lead to hazardous conditions.
Be safe this spring and remember the following tips:
– keep family and pets away from the edges of all bodies of water;
– avoid all recreational activities in or around water, especially near ice-covered watercourses and waterbodies;
– do not attempt to walk on ice-covered waterbodies or drive through flooded roads or fast-moving water;
– if you live close to the water, move objects such as chairs or benches away from the water’s edge to avoid losing them during potential spring high water;
– avoid walking close to/across riverbanks and ice-covered water to prevent falling through. River banks can become unstable in the spring due to snowmelt and erosion; and
– rescuing another person or a pet from icy water is dangerous. If you see anyone that has fallen through the ice call 911 immediately.
Flood warning program
Credit Valley Conservation issues flood messages when flooding is possible or about to occur.
Track water levels, precipitation and other conditions in the watershed in real-time by visiting cvc.ca/real-time-monitoring.
