NEWS RELEASE
GRAND RIVER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
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GRCA Flood Message #1 – Flood Watch
The Grand River Conservation Authority is issuing the following Flood Watch for the entire watershed due an increased risk of snowmelt, runoff and ice jam formation.
Weather forecast
A low-pressure system moving across the central United States is expected to bring warmer temperatures and precipitation to the watershed tomorrow and Wednesday. Daytime high temperatures are expected to range from 3 to 7 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, March 4, and 8 to 10 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, March 5, with warmer temperatures in the south and cooler temperatures in the north of the watershed. Rainfall is forecast to be as high as 20 to 25 mm across the watershed.
Heightened Risk of Ice Jams
The river system is largely ice covered and there is a heavy snowpack across most of the watershed. The warm conditions and rain will generate runoff and will likely be sufficient to cause the river ice cover to break up and start moving, which raises the risk of ice jam formation and associated flood potential. Municipal flood coordinators are advised to monitor areas that have historically experienced ice jam flooding and should be prepared to initiate their municipal flood response plans.
Residents who typically experience flooding should be prepared as conditions can change quickly and without warning. Residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with their local municipal flood response programs and be prepared for flooding due to the elevated risk with this event. High flows and unstable ice conditions will increase the safety risk around rivers and streams throughout the watershed.
GRCA Reservoirs
GRCA reservoirs are within their normal operating range for this time of year and have flood storage capacity available. The reservoirs 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. River ice cover will be unstable due to thawing conditions and fluctuating water levels. 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 watercourses. Recreational users near local waterways should be aware of the current conditions and exercise additional caution.
River conditions and forecasts are being monitored closely, and additional flood messages will be issued as needed.
This message will remain in effect until Thursday, March 6, at 12 p.m.
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