Highlights:

• Snow melt from warm temperatures
• 10 – 20 mm of precipitation
• Water levels to rise and river ice to deteriorate

Current:
Water levels on the Sydenham River and all watercourses across the region will begin rising this evening as a result of above normal temperatures and snow melt. The existing snowpack was measured to be equivalent to near 70 mm (2.7 inches) of water in the northern portions of the watershed and 50 mm (2 inches) of water in southern portions. Ice conditions on the lower reaches of Sydenham remain stable with thickness ranging from 4 – 6 inches.

Short Term:
Temperatures are forecast to remain well above normal Friday and Saturday possibly reaching highs of +6o C. Precipitation forecasts for the next few days are for total accumulations near 20 mm. Remaining snow will continue to melt with rain and above freezing temperatures. Water levels will continue to climb on all watercourses through Friday and Saturday. With the precipitation forecast, water levels are expected to be contained within the river banks on the lower Sydenham River.

This Weekend:
It is estimated that the snow melt over the weekend will reduce the snow pack by nearly 75%. This snow melt combined with the rain is expected to push the water levels in the Sydenham River to top of the bank. Drains and smaller watercourses in upstream areas may experience localized flooding as water levels reach or exceed top of bank. Ice thickness on the lower Sydenham ranges from 10 cm to 15 cm (4-6 inches). Ice conditions are expected to continue to deteriorate this weekend. Increased flows and warmer water will reduce ice thickness and ice cover. Ice jamming is a possibility with increased flows as the ice breaks up.

Municipal officials and road superintendents should monitor local conditions.

Municipal emergency response staff and road superintendents should monitor local conditions closely.

Residents are reminded to avoid watercourses and flooded areas due to slippery banks, cold and swift moving water and deteriorating ice. Parents in particular are urged to keep their children away from floodplain areas.

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.

Update:As required
Contact:Girish Sankar, Water Resources Engineer
at 519-245-3710 ext. 247 after hours at 519-617-1935
Confirmation: Confirmation of receipt of this message is not required