With above normal precipitation falling across the region and near or above normal monthly flows in December, the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority’s watersheds are no longer in a Level 1 Low Water Advisory.

Across the St. Clair region upwards of 84 mm of rain and 55 mm of snow fell during December. Due to this rainfall and snow melt, streamflows have returned to normal levels.

A Level 1 Advisory is issued when rainfall drops below 80% of the average three month precipitation or stream flow drops below 70% of the lowest average summer month flow. Currently, the average three month precipitation is above 95% while streamflows are well above the lowest average summer month flows across the region.

"Well above normal precipitation in December has caused water levels to return to normal”, Billy Haklander, Water Resources Engineer IT for the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority said. “The long term weather forecast suggests that normal flow conditions will persist throughout the winter months".

The weather system approaching from the west is expected to bring rain and warm temperatures to the region beginning on Sunday, January 6. This warming trend, in combination with forecast rainfall, is expected to result in increased stream levels for most of next week. Localized flooding can be expected in low lying areas adjacent to smaller watercourses. Flood peaks may reach the top of bank in some areas along the main branches of the Sydenham River. Residential flooding at Dresden or Wallaceburg is not anticipated but conditions will continue to be monitored closely.

With cold and swift moving water, deteriorating ice conditions and slippery banks, people are urged to stay away from watercourses.

The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority will monitor the flood condition of the watersheds in the region and will provide warnings to municipal officials and media in the event conditions develop which could result in the potential of flooding.

This message will be updated as required

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Types of Flood Bulletins
• Flood Safety Bulletin - notifies of unsafe river and channel conditions
• Flood Advisory - notifies that the potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities
• Flood Warning - notifies that flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities
• Watersheds Conditions Bulletins - notifies of anticipated watershed conditions

For information on:
• Low Water Advisories - visit www.mnr.gov.on.ca/mnr/water/p774.html
• What you can do around the home - visit www.ene.gov.on.ca/cons/3780-e.pdf
What you can do as industry - visit www.ene.gov.on.ca/cons/3781-e.pdf

For more information contact:

Brian McDougall, Director of Watershed Services
(519) 245-3710 ext. 36
(519) 617-1925 (cell)

Billy Haklander, EIT, Water Resources Engineer
(519) 245-3710 ext. 47
(519) 617-1925 (cell)
bhaklander@scrca.on.ca