Status: Water Safety Statement
Watershed Conditions Statement
Tuesday, March 31, 2015 (11:00 AM)
The Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) is issuing a Water Safety Statement. A Water Safety statement indicates high flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc.
Environment Canada is forecasting above-freezing daytime temperatures starting today and continuing through the week. We are observing some ice-breakup in local watercourses, and water levels in area creeks and rivers are slowly starting to rise.
Currently, water levels are slightly lower than normal for this time of year; however, there is still a large amount of snow in the upper reaches of the watershed. The snow pack is ripe, and is holding a considerable amount of water content. This snow will eventually melt and make its way to the rivers.
A water safety statement is not an indication of imminent flooding. The RRRCA will continue to monitor the weather and water levels and update the flood messaging when it is appropriate to do so.
The RRCA monitors watershed conditions throughout Cornwall; South Glengarry; and large portions of North Glengarry and South Stormont. For the latest watershed conditions, please visit our website at http://www.rrca.on.ca.
About Flood Forecasting and Warning in the RRCA
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is responsible for flood related emergencies. Flood forecasting and warning has been delegated to Conservation Authorities. If a local emergency is declared, MNRF will work directly with the municipality and in consultation with the Conservation Authority.
The Raisin Region Conservation Authority monitors precipitation and water levels throughout Cornwall, South Glengarry, and large portions of North Glengarry and South Stormont.
About Flood Forecasting Notices
Normal
No flood conditions exist.
Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety
High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook
Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
Flood Watch
Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
Flood Warning
Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities.
In the event of a flood status of anything other than normal, the RRCA will issue a media release and advise our member municipalities.