Highlights:

• No significant precipitation in the forecast
• Water levels gradually falling however river ice continues to deteriorate
• Road Closure.

River flows continue to be high with some localized flooding into floodplain areas. Levels are beginning to moderate and are expected to continue to fall slowly across the watershed this week however additional snowmelt will continue to enter the watershed. Environment Canada is forecasting higher daytime temperatures above zero later this week but slightly below zero continuing for overnight lows. “This maple syrup type weather is just what we need to slowly reduce the snow pack and start the melt of river ice,” said Girish Sankar, Manager of Water Resources for the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority. “Across the watershed there remains a lot of water lying on the ground in the form of snow. We range from about 55 mm to 75 mm (2 in. – 3ins.) of water ready to enter the soil and watercourses,” Sankar explained. Ice conditions have deteriorated throughout the watershed with significant thickness remaining on lower portions of the Sydenham River. Further surveys to determine ice thickness will be updated this week. When this ice breaks up, ice jams are very possible and could result in flooding above the jams.

Some localized flooding has been experienced into floodplain areas near Brigden and Florence as well as the road closure of Pretty Road.

The Conservation Authority continues to monitor watershed conditions and will issue advisories should flood issues arise. As we move into the spring melt season, 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.

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.

This message will remain in effect until  Wednesday March 31, 2014, unless otherwise updated

Contact: Girish Sankar, Manager of Water Resources
at 519-245-3710 ext. 247 after hours at 519-617-1935