Rapidly Changing Water Levels and Flows

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

Forwarded to: RRCA Flood Forecasting and Warning Directory