Status: Water Safety Statement
Rapidly-changing water levels and flows
Tuesday, February 7, 2023 (6:00 PM)
The Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA) is issuing a Water Safety Statement for the RRCA jurisdiction.
Air temperature is expected to rise above freezing later today (February 7, 2023), triggering snowmelt. The snowpack is currently above normal for this time of year, and approximately equivalent to what would be expected at the end of a normal winter. In addition to the expected snowmelt, 10-20 mm of rainfall is forecast for February 9.
At this time, flooding is not expected. Conditions are also expected to be less severe than those of the recent snowmelt and rainfall event of late December and early January. However, water levels and flows in rivers and streams will increase rapidly through the coming days. The RRCA encourages residents to prepare as they usually do for spring, including taking extra caution near water bodies and securing items that may float away as water flows increase.
Temperatures are forecast to return to well below freezing on February 10, after which water levels and flows will quickly decrease. In the interim, weather forecast models disagree on whether air temperature will remain consistently above zero, or if there will be episodes of freezing weather that will slow snowmelt.
This statement is in effect until Saturday, February 11, 2023, at 9:00 PM. The RRCA will continue monitoring water levels and weather forecasts as part of the Flood Forecasting and Warning program. Updates will be provided if expected conditions change.
For more information: Halya Petzold, Resource Specialist, 613-938-3611 ext. 244, halya.petzold@rrca.on.ca
Media contact: Vincent Pilon, Public Information Coordinator, 613-938-3611 ext. 229, vincent.pilon@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.