Message: Water Levels Continue to Rise, Potential for Flooding
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) Surface Water Monitoring Centre (SWMC) are forecasting 10 to 20 mm of rainfall Friday night and into Saturday. There is a risk of thunderstorm activity that could increase the total amount by another 5 to 20 mm. While the snowpack is mostly gone, some snow remains in ditches that will be released with the rain and temperatures reaching +15C tomorrow (Saturday).
A range of 12 to 27 mm of rain has already been received across the watershed in the last 48 hours. Watercourses have reacted to this, with some having topped their banks and started to flood adjacent low-lying lands. SCRCA expects water levels to continue to rise quickly over the weekend and remain elevated into next week. Rivers may rise rapidly if the higher end of the rain forecast is received.
There is still some ice in rivers in the lower portions of the watershed that have the potential to increase the potential of flooding with ice jamming.
Municipal staff should monitor local conditions closely, with special attention to known local drainage problem areas. Many rural areas have had drifting snow, which can fill in ditches and smaller watercourses, blocking drainage during a runoff event and increasing flooding potential.
Individuals are reminded to avoid watercourses and flooded areas due to dangerous conditions, slippery banks, unsafe ice cover and cold, swift-moving water. Children and pets should be kept away from the water.
The Conservation Authority continues to monitor watershed conditions and will issue advisories to municipalities and media should flood issues arise. Municipal emergency response staff and road superintendents should monitor local conditions closely.
This message will remain in effect until 12 p.m. Monday, March 9th, 2026, unless otherwise updated.
