WELLINGTON COUNTY –The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is a reporting high overall flood risk across the Grand River watershed due to the above average snowpack.
There is a moderate risk of ice jam flooding, officials state.
Flood outlook
Snow monitoring indicates that the water content of the snowpack is higher than normal at most locations across the watershed.
This has the potential to cause significant runoff and potential flooding if the snow melts all at once.
The risk of flooding increases if rainfall accompanies a rapid snowmelt event.
Risk of ice jams
While ice conditions this year are less significant than they were in 2018 and 2019, much of the river system is ice covered and the potential for ice jams to form exists.
This further increases the risk of flooding in areas prone to ice jams.
Lake Erie is mostly ice covered, increasing the risk of ice jam related flooding at the mouth of the Grand River.
GRCA reservoirs
GRCA reservoirs are at their normal operating level for this time of year and will be used to reduce downstream flooding.
Public safety
The public is encouraged to exercise extreme caution around all local waterways.
Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery and, when combined with cold, fast-moving water, pose a serious hazard.
Most waterbodies throughout the Grand River watershed are not monitored for the purpose of winter recreation, and the public is reminded to stay off of unmonitored water bodies due to unsafe conditions.
Parents are reminded to keep their children and pets away from all waterbodies.
Recreational users near local waterways should be aware of the current conditions and exercise additional caution.
Residents who typically experience spring flooding should ensure they are familiar with their local municipal flood response programs and are prepared for flooding due to the elevated risk this year.
River conditions and forecasts are being monitored closely, and any flood messages will be issued as needed.
For more information visit the GRCA website at grandriver.ca or follow the GRCA flood messaging social media page on X at grca_flood_msg.
