Message: High Water Levels and More Rain in Forecast
Highlights:
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- 20 – 50 mm of rainfall received across the region in the past 4 days
- Water levels are high but falling
- Most smaller watercourses remain over top of bank
- 15 – 25 mm of rain in forecast could prolong high water and flood risk
Another 15 to 25 mm of rainfall is forecast for Tuesday through Wednesday. Some of this rainfall could come as thunderstorm activity, therefore local rainfall totals could be higher. Water levels are starting to fall but are still high. Rainfall and snowmelt over the past week have saturated the ground. More rainfall will quickly produce runoff and reverse the downward trend in water levels, causing levels to rise, and prolonging the overall duration of this flood event.
A range of 20 to 50 mm of rain was received across the region in the last 4 days. Rain along with a prolonged period of unseasonably warm weather melted remaining snow and generated a significant amount of runoff, causing rivers and streams to rise. Watercourses on the East and North branches of the Sydenham peaked yesterday and are trending downward. Water levels in the region remain high, with most smaller watercourses still over top of bank and flooding low-lying lands that typically flood in the spring. Ice has been flushed out of the rivers, and therefore increased flood potential due to ice jamming is not considered a risk at this time.
The SCRCA is aware of the following road closures:
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- Clair Township, Stanley Line between Kimball Road and Waubuno Road
Municipal staff should monitor local conditions closely, with special attention to known local drainage problem areas.
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 March 13th, 2026, unless otherwise updated.
