WELLINGTON COUNTY – Four conservation authorities intersecting Wellington County have issued water safety statements due to previous and forecasted rainfall.
On Jan. 2 and 3, the Grand River, Credit Valley, and Saugeen Valley conservation authorities issued water safety statements urging heightened caution around waterways this week.
There is no significant flooding expected in any watershed.
The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) previously issued a flood watch on Dec. 31, which it has since downgraded.
“Most watercourses peaked Sunday evening/Monday morning, however water levels remain high,” states a Jan. 3 SVCA press release.
“With rain in the forecast and the ground being saturated, it is expected that flows will remain high over the next few days and could reach bankfull conditions again.”
An incoming weather system could bring up to 30mm of rainfall on Jan. 3 and 4, resulting in increased river flows, conservation officials state.
A Credit Valley Conservation Authority (CVCA) press release states the watershed has already received between 25 and 30mm of rain in recent days.
Although authorities state “no significant flooding” is expected from this week’s rainfall, river and creek flows will increase, especially in low-lying areas prone to flooding.
“Local streams and rivers could become dangerous, especially around culverts, bridges and dams,” the CVCA release states.
The GRCA is using reservoirs to reduce downstream flooding, according to its release, but elevated river flows will remain for several days.
“The public is encouraged to exercise extreme caution around all local waterways,” GRCA officials stated.
Considering warmer temperatures, the GRCA has also closed all ice fishing at its locations and recommends people stay off ice “significantly weakened” by recent weather.
All water safety statements remain effective through Jan. 6.
The Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) has also issued a water safety statement, effective until Jan. 4, for all municipal and Nine Mile River watersheds.
The MVCA anticipates “widespread rainfall” amounting to between 15 and 25mm, according to a Dec. 30 statement, but officials do not expect significant flooding as a result.
For real-time watershed conditions, visit your respective conservation authority’s website:
